Outpatient Therapist & Clinical Lead- Hybrid

Job Details: Location: NP NC - Gastonia, NC 28054 | Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000.

Position Overview

The Outpatient Therapist & Clinical Lead provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered clinical care and advocacy services to individuals impacted by human trafficking, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, complex trauma, substance use disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. The role delivers services in both in-office and community-based settings and via secure telehealth platforms. The therapist utilizes sound clinical judgment, evidence-based practices, and ethical standards to support stabilization, healing, empowerment, and long-term recovery.

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical Services

• Conduct Comprehensive Clinical Assessments (CCA) and engage in ongoing biopsychosocial assessment to develop individualized service plans.
• Provide individual trauma-informed counseling (in-person and telehealth) to survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
• Facilitate weekly group therapy sessions at partner sites and community locations.
• Assist participants in developing and sustaining peer-led survivor support groups.
• Utilize culturally responsive, evidence-based modalities such as:
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF‑CBT)
  • EMDR (preferred)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
  • Harm reduction approaches
• Provide psychoeducation on trauma bonding, coercive control, grooming, exploitation dynamics, and recovery.
• Conduct safety planning and crisis intervention.
• Screen for and address co-occurring disorders (substance use, PTSD, depression, anxiety, dissociation).
• Support clients navigating triggers related to legal proceedings, relocation, or exiting exploitation.

Advocacy & Care Coordination

• Provide survivor-centered advocacy and empowerment-based support.
• Coordinate referrals for housing, medical care, legal aid, substance use treatment, employment services, and benefits.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (law enforcement, DSS, probation, medical providers, attorneys, case managers) while maintaining confidentiality.
• Attend community, county, and state coalition meetings.
• Provide court accompaniment and support when appropriate.
• Deliver community consultation and education on human trafficking identification and trauma-informed response.

Documentation & Adherence

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with state licensure requirements, funding agency requirements, HIPAA, and confidentiality regulations.
• Complete required state agency paperwork.
• Track program outcomes, maintain data, and assist with program evaluation.
• Contribute data for grant reporting and quality improvement initiatives.

Program Support & Collaboration

• Collaborate with Project Manager in program implementation and expansion.
• Assist with office procedures and operational needs.
• Contribute to policy development and trauma-informed organizational practices.
• Support outreach and prevention initiatives when needed.

Key Core Competencies & Skill Sets

Trauma-Informed Cultural Competencies

• Knowledge of complex and developmental trauma, including trauma bonding, coercive control, dissociation, shame, and attachment injuries.
• Strong crisis de-escalation skills and ability to assess ongoing safety risks from traffickers.
• Comfort addressing sexual trauma using harm-reduction and stages-of-change approaches.
• Commitment to empowerment-based care grounded in cultural humility and awareness of systemic inequities.
• Experience working with diverse populations and integrating faith-based or culturally responsive frameworks when appropriate.
• Understanding of survivor ambivalence, flexible engagement timelines, and the ability to support clients who intermittently disengage and return.

Hybrid & Administrative Skills

• Proficiency with telehealth platforms and HIPAA-compliant systems.
• Ability to provide therapy in non-traditional settings (partner sites, shelters, community agencies).
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Data collection and outcome tracking experience.

Professional Sustainability

• Awareness of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress.
• Commitment to regular supervision and consultation.
• Strong self-care and professional resilience practices.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, or related field.
• Active state licensure (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, or equivalent).
• Experience working with trauma survivors.
• Experience facilitating group therapy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized training in trauma treatment (EMDR, TF‑CBT, CPT, DBT).
• Knowledge of human trafficking dynamics and exploitation patterns through experience working with survivors of sexual exploitation or trafficking.
• Experience with substance use and co-occurring disorders.
• Bilingual (Spanish or other relevant language preferred).