Unit Therapist

Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact For submitted application inquiries please contact Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County

Closing Date: November 17th, 2025, or upon receipt of the first 50 applicant submissions

Unit Therapist

Children, Youth, and Family Services

Annual Salary Range: $65, $78,000

Job Summary: The Unit Therapist will provide individual sessions and group therapy to justice-involved youth in a secure setting, preferably utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This position is essential to the new Milwaukee County Center for Youth programming. The Unit Therapist will collaborate with the youth treatment teams to support group facilitation and crisis services when needed.

Position Duties:

• Deliver individual therapy through a DBT treatment model lens to youth, on-going sessions for youth during community phase of program, as well as family therapy. Complete intake and necessary assessments.
• Offer consultations and recommendations post release to the youth's treatment team. Collaborate with Human Services Workers to ensure delivery of services and team cohesion. Provide ancillary support as needed.
• Participate in virtual and in-person meetings with various disciplines to enhance and build DBT program.
• Prepare intakes, evaluations, case notes, treatment plans, and other documentation.
• Support groups and deliver programming on milieu as needed, with weekend and evening group coverage.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Current resident of Wisconsin
• Valid Wisconsin driver's License and access to a reliable insured vehicle; maintained throughout employment.
• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling or in a closely related field is required.
• At least one (1) year of recent experience working as a Psychotherapist or Youth Counselor is required.
• Able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25lbs as needed.
• Must be available for first and second shift, occasional overtime, weekend, or shift rotation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as a Social Worker in the State of Wisconsin preferred.
• Experience delivering Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of and skill in the application of ethics, theories, methods, practices, treatments and techniques of psychiatric social work and counseling; oral and written communication skills; knowledge of health services providing care to children and adolescents; knowledge of community resources in the area of health and social services and the ability to utilize them effectively; knowledge of mental disorders and diseases; knowledge of laws governing mental commitments; skill in interviewing patients and family members and accurately assessing their needs; ability to work as a member of a mental health or health care team; ability to work with people of all social, economic and educational levels; ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with staff, patients, families, and agencies.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact