Therapist & IECMH Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: Are you passionate about supporting the emotional well-being of infants and young children through the power of the caregiver-child relationship? SPCC is seeking a Therapist & Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Specialist to provide specialized, trauma-informed clinical services to children ages 0–6 and their caregivers through the Family Trauma Intervention Program (FTIP). This role supports families navigating significant trauma, including abuse, exposure to domestic violence, and other experiences that disrupt family relationships and stability. In addition to providing clinical services to preventive and community-based cases, the IECMH Therapist provides dyadic therapy to young children referred to the Child Advocacy Center following allegations of sexual abuse and their non-offending caregivers. Grounded in early childhood development, attachment theory, and relationship-based practices, this position focuses on promoting child well-being, strengthening caregiver-child relationships, and supporting healing through evidence-based, trauma-informed care.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 

All FTIP Cases

• Provides primarily home-based clinical services to a blended caseload of young children and caregivers, including dyadic, individual, and family therapy, caregiver support, case coordination, referrals, and crisis intervention as needed.
• Completes developmentally appropriate clinical assessments and treatment plans, including observation of caregiver-child interactions and consideration of caregiver history.
• Uses the DC:0-5™ Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood to inform assessment, case formulation, and diagnosis for children under six.
• Develops safety plans as needed and maintains timely, accurate clinical documentation in SPCC’s internal record system and, when applicable, NYS Connections.
• Tracks cases by funding stream and completes required monthly program statistics.
• Coordinates referrals to appropriate community resources, including Early Intervention, CPSE, pediatric, and adult mental health services.

MCDHS Preventive Caseload

• Provides FTIP services to families referred by MCDHS as preventive cases.
• Responds promptly to assigned referrals, initiates family contact, and coordinates service initiation with the assigned MCDHS caseworker.
• Completes and documents preventive mandates and required Family Assessment and Service Plan (FASP) reports in NYS Connections within established timeframes.
• Maintains ongoing communication and coordination with MCDHS, including the Preventive Unit.

OVS Community Caseload

• Provides FTIP services to children and families impacted by crime through OVS-funded community referrals.
• Maintains timely and accurate clinical documentation to support required OVS reporting.

OVS Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Caseload

• Regularly co-locates at the Child Advocacy Center, according to program needs, to provide IECMH-focused, trauma-informed treatment to children ages 0–6 referred following allegations of sexual abuse and their non-offending caregivers.
• Provides evidence-based, relationship-focused dyadic treatment, such as Child-Parent Psychotherapy, to strengthen caregiver-child relationships and support the child's safety, regulation, and trust.
• Supports caregivers in understanding and responding to their child's trauma-related behaviors while addressing the caregiver's own distress, trauma history, and support needs.
• Participates in CAC multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and case reviews, coordinating with community and investigative partners as appropriate while maintaining a therapeutic role distinct from the forensic investigation.
• Maintains appropriate clinical documentation and boundaries throughout investigative and legal processes. Coordinates with the Clinical Supervisor regarding subpoenas, court requests, and testimony in accordance with SPCC procedures.
• Completes required funder-specific documentation and reporting for CAC cases.

Team and Program Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community agencies, referral sources, and program partners.
• Actively participates in individual and group supervision, including reflective supervision and consultation consistent with IECMH best practices.
• Attends required trainings and programmatic, CAC, and community meetings.
• Provides community education as requested, including IECMH-informed education for CAC and community partners.
• Accompanies or transports clients to services, as applicable.
• Assists with the training and supervision of program volunteers and interns.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS:

• Clinical psychotherapy skills necessary to support infants, young children, and families impacted by trauma, loss, poverty, and/or child maltreatment or abuse.
• Specialized knowledge of infant and early childhood development, attachment, and the caregiver-child relationship as the primary context for assessment and intervention.
• Ability to engage very young and preverbal children through play, observation, and developmentally attuned approaches, and to understand behavior as communication.
• Understanding of how sexual abuse and other trauma may present in infants and young children, and of the impact on non-offending caregivers and the family system.
• Ability to hold multiple perspectives (child, caregiver, and system) and to work effectively within multidisciplinary and investigative systems while maintaining a therapeutic stance.
• Professional reflective capacity and an understanding of trauma informed care, equity work, and ethical practices.
• Willingness to engage in building reflective practice (e.g., capacity for introspection, communicating awareness of self in relation to others, recognizing value of supervision, etc.)
• Detail-oriented, organized and strong communication skills (both verbal and in writing), with the ability to manage a blended caseload across distinct funder requirements.
• Adherence to professional and ethical standards, including ethical principles related to client interaction, documentation, report writing, file maintenance, and confidentiality.
• Willingness to conduct continuous progression of professionalism by attending available workshops and seminars.
• A demonstrated commitment to humanity centered care work and delivering services with a trauma-informed and equitable lens.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC), Social Work (LCSW, LMSW), Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT), Creative Arts Therapy (LCAT), Psychology (licensed) or a related license-eligible field, with a minimum of two years of experience working with trauma, children, and families, including at least one year of clinical experience with infants, toddlers, and/or young children (0-6) and their caregivers.
• Must be currently licensed in New York State in an appropriate mental health discipline or hold an active New York State limited permit at the time of hire or hold a limited permit or licensure within 6 weeks of hire. Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining active licensure or limited permit status in good standing throughout the duration of employment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH), including relationship-based, dyadic intervention with young children and their caregivers.
• Training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) required, or willingness to complete CPP training within the first year of employment. CPP rostered status preferred.
• Familiarity with the DC:0-5™ diagnostic framework preferred; training will be provided upon hire if needed.
• Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health® (IMH-E®) through NYSAIMH preferred, or commitment to pursue Endorsement.
• Experience with Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and/or other trauma-focused clinical practices preferred.
• Experience working within a Child Advocacy Center, multidisciplinary team, or with children and families impacted by sexual abuse preferred.
• Familiar with the psycho-social aspects of child maltreatment, attachment, and multi-cultural issues.

WORKING AT SPCC: SPCC is committed to providing a trauma-informed, supportive, and inclusive work environment. We value flexibility, professional growth, and reflective supervision. Our team is passionate about equity, justice, and meaningful relationships. Join us in creating a lasting impact on the lives of families in our community.

Candidate must successfully complete all required background checks and clearances and possess a valid NYS driver’s license with required insurance.

This position is benefits eligible.

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