Trauma Therapist

Agency Description & Program Model:

At HER Resiliency Center, we give young women ages 18 to 25 who are overcoming hardship a safe environment where they can receive the support, skills, and resources they need to make positive decisions and thrive.

HER emphasizes each young woman (peers) being aware of her own needs, while also receiving guidance along her journey to independence and self-sufficiency. An important component of the HER model is allowing space for the young women to share about her own life experiences, hear about the path of others, and learn positive life skills through demonstrated healthy living. A crucial component of the HER model is for staff to share their own past struggles and victories in order to demonstrate empathy and understanding toward those we serve. Both staff and the young women are on a “peer level” with each other.

Job Description:

The Trauma Therapist provides professional empathetic counseling services to the young women (peers) engaged at HER Resiliency Center, offering a safe space for them to receive emotional support. The Trauma Therapist will utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support peers in processing trauma, building resilience, and improving their overall well-being. This role requires strong clinical skills, a supportive environment for healing and growth, and an in-depth understanding of trauma-informed care principles. This role is in person and may require flexibility.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Complete comprehensive assessments for new peers using a trauma-informed approach to build trust, facilitate engagement and determine therapeutic needs.
• Utilize evidence-based treatment modalities such as EMDR, CBT and DBT.
• Maintain accurate and confidential peer records or notes.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans that advance personal development.
• Offer crisis intervention and coping strategies for managing trauma-related symptoms.
• Support peers in developing emotional regulation, self-awareness, and decision-making skills.
• Provide individual and group therapy to peers facing challenges related to trauma, self-identity, relationships and independence.

Competencies & Professional Attributes:

In order to fulfill the responsibilities of this position, an applicant must be experienced and confident in their ability to:

• Deep understanding of trauma and its impact, with the ability to implement appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Capability to adjust therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each peer and provide effective strategies.
• Strong ability to create a safe, supportive space for each peer to share their experiences and emotions, cultivating a trusting relationship within HER.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working with diverse populations, including veterans, survivors of abuse, or first responders.
• Strong understanding of complex trauma and co-occurring disorders.
• Specialized training in trauma-focused therapy modalities such as EMDR, TF-CBT, etc.
• Licensed to practice in Maryland (MD) and Washington, D.C. (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, PsyD).
• Experience in working with young women or trauma survivors, preferably minimum of three years.
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field is a plus.