Watson's Children Shelter Lead Therapist Missoula, MT · Full time

Apply for Lead Therapist

Watson Children’s Shelter is a nonprofit organization in Missoula, Montana, providing safety, support, and stability for children and youth experiencing abuse, neglect, family crisis, homelessness, and other traumatic circumstances. Since 1977, Watson has served children and families across Western Montana through emergency shelter care, crisis intervention, case management, family support services, and mental health programming. Our team is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed environment where children can begin to heal, build resilience, and regain a sense of security. We work closely with families, child welfare agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and community partners to support positive outcomes for every child we serve. At Watson, relationships are at the heart of our work. We believe every child deserves safety, compassion, and the opportunity to thrive. Our staff bring dedication, empathy, and a shared commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families throughout our community.

Position Summary

Watson Children’s Shelter is seeking a compassionate, trauma-informed Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team supporting children and youth experiencing crisis, abuse, neglect, and family instability. This position provides therapeutic services to shelter residents while also supporting shelter staff through consultation, therapeutic intervention strategies, and collaborative care planning.

The ideal candidate is passionate about working with children and adolescents, values relationship-based care, and understands the impact of trauma on development, behavior, and emotional regulation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individual therapy sessions for children and adolescents residing in shelter care.
• Facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational group sessions focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, communication, safety, and healthy relationships.
• Collaborate with shelter staff to implement trauma-informed behavioral interventions and support plans.
• Provide guidance and consultation to direct care staff regarding therapeutic approaches and de-escalation strategies.
• Complete clinical documentation, treatment notes, assessments, and service plans in a timely manner.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case coordination with community providers, schools, CPS, and other stakeholders.
• Support crisis intervention and stabilization efforts within the shelter environment.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with ethical, legal, and licensing standards.
• Help foster a safe, supportive, and healing-centered environment for youth and families.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related behavioral health field preferred.
• Licensure or licensure candidacy in Montana preferred (LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent).
• Experience working with children, adolescents, and families strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, attachment, child development, and crisis intervention.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a team-oriented residential setting.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience facilitating therapeutic groups.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices related to trauma and emotional regulation.
• Understanding of behavioral support strategies within residential or shelter environments.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and compassionate in high-stress situations.

Benefits

• Meaningful work supporting vulnerable youth and families
• Collaborative and mission-driven team environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and training
• Paid time off and holiday benefits
• Health benefits and retirement options, if applicable