Therapeutic Support Staff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving realm of healthcare, the role of Therapeutic Support Staff has become increasingly crucial.

As society places more emphasis on mental and emotional well-being, the demand for skilled individuals who can provide, enhance, and maintain therapeutic support continues to rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from Therapeutic Support Staff?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of therapeutic support,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Therapeutic Support Staff job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Therapeutic Support Staff Duties and Responsibilities

Therapeutic Support Staff are vital members of a mental health team, providing direct care to individuals with behavioral or emotional disorders.

They have a key role in implementing therapeutic interventions and assisting individuals in their journey towards recovery.

Their duties and responsibilities often include:

• Implementing therapeutic strategies as directed by a treatment plan
• Monitoring patient behavior and progress, and reporting to supervising professionals
• Providing emotional support and guidance to patients
• Assisting patients with daily activities and teaching them life skills
• Helping patients manage their mental health symptoms
• Participating in treatment team meetings to discuss patients’ progress and treatment plans
• Assisting with crisis interventions when necessary
• Providing support to family members and educating them about the patient’s condition
• Ensuring that patients are safe and their environment is suitable for treatment
• Documenting patient interactions, progress, and treatment outcomes

 

Therapeutic Support Staff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Therapeutic Support Staff member to join our team.

The primary role of the Therapeutic Support Staff is to provide therapeutic interventions and support services to children and families in need.

This includes creating a safe and secure environment for children, offering guidance, and acting as a positive role model.

Our ideal candidate has a background in social services, psychology, or a related field, and has a deep understanding of child development and behavior management strategies.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized care and support to children facing behavioral or emotional challenges
• Collaborate with a team of professionals to develop and implement therapeutic treatment plans
• Document and maintain accurate records of each child’s progress
• Assist children in building social skills and coping mechanisms
• Communicate regularly with parents or guardians about the child’s progress
• Adhere to all safety regulations and standards
• Attend professional development and training sessions as required

 

Qualifications

• Previous work experience as a Therapeutic Support Staff or similar role
• Knowledge of child development and behavioral management strategies
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• BSc degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Therapeutic Support Staff
• Work Environment: This position may require work in various settings, such as schools, homes, and community centers. Travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Supervisor or Director of Therapeutic Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Therapeutic Support Staff Do?

Therapeutic Support Staff, often referred to as TSS, typically work in the mental health sector, providing support and assistance to individuals with emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorders.

Their primary role is to implement the therapeutic goals outlined in a client’s treatment plan.

This can range from teaching and reinforcing social skills, helping manage stress and anxiety, to providing crisis intervention when necessary.

They work closely with a team of other professionals, which may include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors, to provide holistic care to their clients.

TSS staff may work in a variety of settings such as schools, homes, and community centers.

They often play an essential role in monitoring the client’s progress and providing feedback to the rest of the treatment team.

They may also guide clients in developing coping mechanisms, provide assistance with daily living activities, and help them navigate through social situations.

Therapeutic Support Staff are often required to document and maintain accurate records of their clients’ behaviors, responses, and progress, which are crucial in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment plan and making necessary modifications.

Their work is not only limited to direct interaction with clients, but also involves educating and providing support to family members and other caregivers, helping them understand the client’s condition and needs.

 

Therapeutic Support Staff Qualifications and Skills

A competent Therapeutic Support Staff member should have the skills and qualifications that align with the role, such as:

• Communication skills that enable clear and empathetic interactions with patients and their families, as well as effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
• Knowledge of behavioral management techniques and principles, to help patients develop coping strategies and manage their behaviors effectively.
• Patience and emotional resilience to handle the challenges and emotional demands of the job, including dealing with patients facing serious mental or physical health issues.
• Problem-solving skills to assist in formulating care plans, assess patients’ progress and adjust interventions as necessary.
• Observational skills for monitoring patients’ behaviors, understanding their needs and responding appropriately.
• A strong understanding of confidentiality and privacy laws to protect patients’ personal and health information.
• The physical ability to perform tasks like assisting patients with mobility, providing first aid, and handling emergencies.
• Empathy and compassion to understand and respond to the feelings, needs, and concerns of patients and their families.
• A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field and relevant work experience in a mental health setting may be required.

 

Therapeutic Support Staff Experience Requirements

Entry-level Therapeutic Support Staff typically have a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to social work, psychology, or counseling, along with a minimum of one to two years of experience in a direct care role working with children, adolescents, or adults with behavioral health needs.

This experience can often be gained through internships, practicums, or part-time roles in a therapeutic setting.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience often have more specialized skills, such as crisis intervention, case management, or skills training.

They may have gained this experience in roles such as Behavioral Health Technician, Residential Counselor, or similar direct care roles.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a wealth of therapeutic techniques and strategies under their belt.

They may also have leadership experience, having overseen a team of direct care staff or led group therapy sessions.

At this level, they may be ready to step into a supervisor or manager role within a therapeutic setting.

Some positions may also require specific certifications, such as being a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or having a CPR and First Aid certification.

Therefore, the more advanced or specialized the role, the more experience and qualifications are typically required.

 

Therapeutic Support Staff Education and Training Requirements

Therapeutic Support Staff typically require a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.

They are expected to have a strong understanding of therapeutic approaches and be familiar with behavior management strategies.

Some positions may require Therapeutic Support Staff to hold a master’s degree in counseling or social work, particularly for roles that involve more complex cases or work with specific populations.

State licensure is often required, which typically involves completing supervised hours of clinical experience and passing an exam.

The requirements for licensure vary by state but usually require a combination of education and supervised clinical experience.

Continuing education is also essential in this field, as it keeps the therapeutic support staff updated with the latest therapeutic strategies and approaches.

In addition to formal education, practical skills such as empathy, patience, communication, and problem-solving are also crucial for success in this role.

Certifications in specific therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), may also be beneficial and can demonstrate a candidate’s dedication to their professional development.

 

Therapeutic Support Staff Salary Expectations

A Therapeutic Support Staff typically earns an average of $38,000 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific organization for which they work.

 

Therapeutic Support Staff Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Therapeutic Support Staff need?

Therapeutic Support Staff should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with clients and their families.

They should possess problem-solving abilities to handle unexpected issues and crisis situations.

Additionally, they need to have a good understanding of therapeutic techniques and principles, patience, empathy, and the ability to maintain client confidentiality.

 

What kind of education is required for Therapeutic Support Staff?

Therapeutic Support Staff typically need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.

Some roles may require a Master’s degree or other advanced credentials.

Additionally, they may need to have specific certifications or licensure depending on the regulations of the state where they are working.

 

What should you look for in a Therapeutic Support Staff resume?

When reviewing a Therapeutic Support Staff resume, look for a relevant educational background and any additional certifications or licensure.

Experience working with specific populations (such as children, the elderly, or those with mental health disorders) can be beneficial.

Also, look for demonstrated skills in crisis intervention, counseling, and case management.

 

What qualities make a good Therapeutic Support Staff?

A good Therapeutic Support Staff is compassionate, patient, and empathetic, able to offer support and understanding to clients dealing with various challenges.

They should be good listeners and able to communicate effectively with both clients and their families.

Additionally, they should be detail-oriented and organized, able to manage multiple cases and track client progress effectively.

 

What are the daily duties of a Therapeutic Support Staff?

Daily duties of a Therapeutic Support Staff can include meeting with clients for counseling sessions, creating and implementing treatment plans, documenting client progress, and communicating with other members of the client’s care team.

They may also provide crisis intervention services, help clients develop life skills, and provide support and education to families.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the veil on the essential role of a therapeutic support staff.

And guess what?

It’s not just about providing treatment.

It’s about building healthier futures, one supportive interaction at a time.

With our definitive therapeutic support staff job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every supportive interaction is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s build that healthier future. Together.

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