Job Description
Job DescriptionTrauma-Focused EMDR Therapist
Position: Trauma-Focused EMDR Therapist
Reports To: Program Director / Program Coordinator
Employment Status: Full-Time
Location: Media
Position Summary
The Trauma-Focused EMDR Therapist provides trauma-informed, evidence-based behavioral health services to individuals experiencing substance use disorders, trauma-related symptoms, and co-occurring mental health concerns. The therapist will provide individual and group therapy with a primary focus on trauma treatment utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other evidence-based clinical interventions.
The ideal candidate is clinically skilled, trauma-informed, collaborative, and comfortable working with individuals who have complex histories of trauma and substance use. The therapist is expected to integrate trauma treatment within the client's overall recovery plan while maintaining a strong focus on substance use recovery and clinical stability.
Essential Responsibilities
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Provide groups and individual outpatient psychotherapy to clients with substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns.
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Provide trauma-focused treatment utilizing EMDR in accordance with established EMDR protocols and clinical best practices.
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Develop individualized treatment plans based on clinical assessments, client needs, and level-of-care requirements.
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Utilize evidence-based interventions including EMDR, CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and other appropriate therapeutic approaches.
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Assess client readiness and clinical stability prior to initiating trauma processing.
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Monitor client response to trauma treatment and modify interventions based on clinical presentation and progress.
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Maintain a recovery-oriented approach that prioritizes substance use treatment while appropriately addressing trauma and co-occurring mental health concerns.
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Collaborate with medical providers, psychiatric providers, case managers, recovery specialists, and other members of the treatment team.
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Participate in clinical staffing, case consultation, supervision, and treatment planning.
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Provide crisis assessment and intervention when clinically indicated.
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Complete timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, assessments, and discharge documentation.
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Maintain compliance with organizational policies, applicable state regulations, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements.
Required Qualifications
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Master's degree or higher in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
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Current, active independent clinical license required.
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Examples may include LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or another applicable independent behavioral health license.
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EMDR certification required.
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3 Year Minimum with Substance Abuse Population
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience working with justice-involved populations, treatment courts, or other mandated populations.
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Experience with ASAM-informed treatment planning and level-of-care recommendations.
Clinical Expectations
The Trauma-Focused EMDR Therapist is expected to practice within their scope of licensure and training. EMDR should be incorporated based on clinical readiness, stability, and appropriateness, rather than solely based on a client's request for trauma processing.
The therapist will:
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Establish safety and stabilization before beginning trauma processing when clinically indicated.
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Assess for current substance use, emotional regulation, safety concerns, and other factors that may affect readiness for trauma processing.
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Utilize appropriate preparation and resourcing interventions.
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Monitor for increased symptoms, destabilization, or other clinical concerns throughout treatment.
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Coordinate with the treatment team when trauma processing impacts substance use recovery or overall functioning.
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Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and recognize when a client requires a higher level of care or specialized services.
Documentation & Compliance
The therapist is responsible for completing all clinical documentation within required timeframes, including:
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Treatment plans and treatment plan updates
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Individual progress notes
- Risk and safety assessments as clinically indicated
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Discharge summaries
- ASAM
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Case Consultation
- Insurance Auth's
All documentation must support medical necessity, reflect the services provided, and comply with organizational, regulatory, and ethical requirements.
Professional Expectations
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Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and applicable state and federal regulations.
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Demonstrate professionalism and reliability.
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Maintain appropriate clinical boundaries.
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Participate in ongoing professional development and required training.
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Utilize consultation and supervision appropriately.
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Demonstrate cultural humility and provide respectful, person-centered care.
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Maintain current licensure and EMDR certification/training requirements.
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Practice within the therapist's scope of competence and professional license.
Physical/Work Environment
This position primarily involves providing outpatient behavioral health services in an office and/or clinical treatment setting. The position requires regular interaction with clients, families, and multidisciplinary treatment team members and may involve both in-person and telehealth services, as permitted.
Compensation & Benefits
Hourly
Schedule: M-F 8AM-4PM, Flexible
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Visual
Equal Opportunity Employer:
MVP Recovery is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an inclusive and supportive workplace.