Interim Mental Health and Wellness Therapist

Please send a resume and cover letter to leadership@seattleops.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit applications for review by February 28, 2025.

ABOUT US: The Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS) was founded by survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and allies, to end the violence of prostitution and change cultural norms around oppression, exploitation, and violence against women. OPS provides services in three areas: (1) advocacy, harm reduction, and exit services for survivors, (2) education and training on CSE and changing cultural norms of gender-based violence, and (3) technical assistance and policy efforts to increase survivor access to social capital and political power, improve services for survivors, and end CSE. Around 85% of OPS staff are CSE survivors, and we prioritize elevating and empowering survivors across the organization, movement, and our communities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The Interim Mental Health and Wellness Therapist will provide trauma-informed, client-centered therapeutic support to individuals actively experiencing exploitation. This position ensures continuity of mental health services during a period of transition and supports OPS participants with stabilization and healing through individual and group-based therapy. The Therapist collaborates with partner agencies and community providers to facilitate access to mental health and substance use resources, fostering a comprehensive and holistic approach to client care.

This interim role is designed to bridge the gap while OPS’s long-standing therapist is out for health-related reasons. Once the current therapist is ready and able to return to work remotely, this role will transition to a part-time position to complement her as she steps into a supervisory capacity. In the interim, this position will report to the Executive Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide ongoing and one-time crisis intervention services to survivors of CSE, utilizing low-barrier, trauma-informed therapeutic interventions.
• Deliver individual therapy, coping skills support, and accompaniment to survivors.
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate 1-2 mental health/coping skills groups per month.
• Build trust-based relationships with survivors of complex trauma, focusing on stabilization and referrals to long-term therapeutic resources.
• Conduct mental health assessments and provide referrals for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and other mental health services as needed.
• Maintain confidential, accurate documentation of client interactions, including intakes, assessments, and progress notes.
• Collaborate with OPS Advocates to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
• Participate in crisis interventions and debriefs as required.
• Assist in creating and providing quarterly internal training to deepen staff understanding of trauma-informed practices.
• Contribute to community training on therapeutic modalities and best practices in collaboration with leadership.
• Support the creation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on therapeutic services and relevant grants/contracts.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Active Washington State licensure (LMFT, LMHC, LICSW, LASW) or active associate-level credential with a pathway to full licensure.
• Ability to pass a background check according to OPS policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma’s impact on the body and mind, with experience addressing codependency, addiction, healthy boundaries, and PTSD.
• Skilled in mindfulness practices, group facilitation, and engaging participants who may be therapy-averse.
• Working knowledge of Commercial Sexual Exploitation, gender-based violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, homelessness, and substance dependence.
• Familiarity with complex trauma, systemic oppression, and intersectional issues such as sex-based oppression, racism, and poverty.
• Empathetic and calm under pressure, with the ability to guide clients through crises.
• Strong documentation and confidentiality skills.
• Flexible, self-motivated, and collaborative team player.
• Passion for social systems change and dismantling systems of oppression, including white supremacy, patriarchy, heterosexism, and classism.
• Commitment to OPS’s mission and values, focusing on survivor-centered care and women’s liberation.

TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENT

• This role requires access to reliable transportation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

• Ability to perform moderate physical work.

SCHEDULE

• 36-hour work week completed Monday through Friday
• This role is expected to meet onsite with participants Tuesday through Thursday.
• Standard work hours are between 10 am and 6 pm.
• OPS employees currently work a mixture of remote and in-person shifts. In-person work will include duties at our office location and outreach/partner meetings in the Seattle area when necessary.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This position will begin at 1.0 FTE and is expected to move to 0.5 FTE (18-25 hours per week) after 6 months.
• Hourly position ranging from $33/hour to $37/hour based on experience.