Outpatient Therapist & Clinical Lead- Hybrid

Job DetailsJob Location: NP NC - Gastonia, NC 28054Salary Range: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 SalaryPosition 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. This position 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), as needed, engage in ongoing biopsychosocial assessment, and 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

QualificationsRequired 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)