THERAPIST MST

Position Summary

The Multisystemic Therapy (MST) Therapist provides intensive, family-centered, community-based clinical services to youth ages 12–17 and their families using the evidence-based Multisystemic Therapy model. The therapist works collaboratively with youth, caregivers, schools, child welfare agencies, and other community stakeholders to address behavioral, emotional, and/or substance use concerns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide intensive, home and community-based clinical treatment to youth and families in accordance with the Multisystemic Therapy (MST) model, principles, and treatment protocols.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of youth, families, and the systems in which they function, including family, peer, school, and community environments to identify strengths, needs, and factors contributing to problem behaviors.
• Develop and implement individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans that address identified drivers of problem behavior and promote sustainable behavioral and family change.
• Apply MST-informed and other evidence-based interventions to address behavioral concerns, delinquency, substance use, school-related challenges, family conflict, and other factors impacting youth functioning.
• Provide frequent and intensive therapeutic contact with youth and caregivers and deliver interventions within the family's natural environment whenever appropriate.
• Monitor treatment progress, evaluate intervention effectiveness, and modify treatment strategies based on clinical data, family feedback, and progress toward identified goals.
• Establish strong, collaborative therapeutic relationships with youth, caregivers, and family members while maintaining clear treatment expectations and accountability.
• Engage caregivers as active partners in treatment by identifying and building upon existing family strengths, increasing caregiver skills and confidence, and promoting caregiver leadership in achieving sustainable change.
• Collaborate with schools, probation officers, child welfare professionals, healthcare providers, and other formal and informal community supports to coordinate services and advance treatment goals.
• Strengthen natural support systems and community connections for youth and families to promote long-term stability and reduce reliance on formal services.
• Provide intensive clinical services within the family's natural environment while maintaining flexibility to provide services outside of traditional business hours, including occasional evening or weekend hours, based on the needs of youth, families, and the MST treatment model.
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation, treatment records, and required assessments in accordance with organizational, regulatory, and MST program requirements.
• Participate in MST clinical supervision, consultation, training, and quality-assurance activities to support adherence to the MST model and fidelity to established treatment practices.

Competencies

• Clinical Competence: Demonstrates the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to assess clients, develop and implement individualized treatment plans, provide evidence-based interventions, and evaluate treatment outcomes within the scope of practice.
• Patient and Family Engagement: Establishes therapeutic relationships with youth and families, promotes active participation in treatment, and incorporates client and family strengths, preferences, and identified needs into the treatment process while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary team members and external providers to coordinate care, support continuity of services, and promote positive treatment outcomes.
• Clinical Judgment and Problem-Solving: Applies sound clinical judgment, critical thinking, and appropriate decision-making skills when responding to complex clinical situations, changes in client presentation, and barriers to treatment.
• Compliance and Confidentiality: Adheres to applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; Joint Commission standards; organizational policies and procedures; professional standards of practice; and requirements related to patient rights, confidentiality, privacy, and security of protected health information.
• Documentation and Professional Accountability: Maintains timely, accurate, complete, and clinically appropriate documentation; demonstrates accountability for assigned responsibilities; and maintains professional and ethical standards of conduct.
• Adaptability and Reliability: Demonstrates flexibility and reliability in responding to changing client needs, treatment priorities, schedules, and community-based service environments while maintaining continuity and quality of care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum of three (3) years of experience providing services to youth and/or families.
• Must be 21 years of age & have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel to client homes and community locations and, when necessary, transport multiple clients.
• Residence within a 30–45-minute travel radius of York County, South Carolina.
• Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and any state-mandated employment clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.
• Experience working with at-risk youth, families, juvenile justice systems, child welfare agencies, or community-based behavioral health programs.
• Experience providing family therapy, crisis intervention, or evidence-based treatment approaches.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, or individuals in behavioral health, residential treatment, or human services settings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain organized records.
• Professional judgment, discretion, and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and standard office technology.