Careers

Uncover Your Future with Mala – Explore Our Open Roles at our farmington hills, plymouth, or ann arbor locations

Why Work at Mala?

Three colorful dots

At Mala Child and Family Institute, we believe in the power of connection, community, and healing. Our mission is to end intergenerational cycles of trauma, and we’re passionate about providing trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally sensitive care to all ages. We foster an environment where professionals thrive, grow, and make a real impact. Join either our Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills, or Plymouth clinics and feel the power of our community.

Mala is an equal employment opportunity employer.

  • When you work at Mala, you're not just part of a clinic—you're part of a collaborative team that includes psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, counselors, art therapists, and psychiatric providers. This truly integrative model means you’ll have the opportunity to work side by side with experts across multiple fields, providing holistic care that addresses the whole person, not just the symptoms.

  • Our culture is built on the principles of empathy, integrity, and excellence. We prioritize creating a supportive environment where staff feel valued, heard, and empowered to deliver the highest caliber of care. We believe that in order to care for others, our team must first be well cared for. That’s why we invest in your professional and personal well-being, fostering an atmosphere of balance, mutual respect, and continuous learning.

  • At Mala, we are committed to your growth as a clinician. Whether you're early in your career or looking to expand your skills, we offer rich training opportunities in trauma-informed care, neurodiversity, family systems, DBT, child-centered play therapy, and more. Our commitment to training extends beyond the classroom—here, you’ll experience hands-on learning, mentorship, and the ability to shadow professionals across different specialties (occupational therapy, psychiatry, art therapy, psychology, psychotherapy, school advocacy).

  • As we continue to expand, we are focused on innovation and excellence in mental health care. By joining us, you will be at the forefront of creating lasting change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Your contributions will not only impact those we serve today but will shape the future of mental health care for generations to come.

  • We don’t just support our clients—we support each other. Our team is a community that thrives on collaboration, open communication, and shared goals. We encourage professional development and provide access to cutting-edge resources, supervision, and training programs designed to keep you at the top of your field. We are invested in your journey and believe that when you grow, we grow together.

  • At Mala, we cultivate a workplace at all three clinics (Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills, or Plymouth) where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels a sense of belonging. We understand that every team member brings unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences that enhance the evaluation, psychotherapy, OT, and psychiatry care we provide. You’ll find an inclusive environment that values authenticity, where you can show up as your true self.

  • Choosing to work at Mala means choosing to be part of a mission-driven institute that is making a real difference in the world. Our commitment to ending cycles of trauma is deep, and we are looking for professionals who share that vision. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact and want to be part of a dynamic, compassionate team, Mala Child and Family Institute is the place for you.

Our Open Roles

  • 1099 Employment | Hybrid Format

    We are seeking a compassionate, neurodivergent-affirming and trauma-Informed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to join our healthcare team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in behavioral health and a commitment to providing high-quality care to individuals with mental health needs. This is a 1099 role involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients, while also collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care.


    Responsibilities

    • Conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations and assessments of patients.

    • Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient needs.

    • Provide medication management, including experience administering injections as necessary.

    • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care, including discharge planning.

    • Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

    • Offer support and education to patients and their families regarding mental health issues.

    • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in compliance with healthcare regulations.

    • Participate in emergency medicine situations when required, ensuring patient safety and effective intervention.

    • Engage in continuous professional development to stay current with best practices in psychiatric care.

    Qualifications:

    • Master’s degree in Nursing with a specialization as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

    • Valid Nurse Practitioner license and certification in psychiatric nursing.

    • Experience in behavioral health settings is preferred.

    • Knowledge of infectious disease care and occupational health is a plus.

    • Ability to lift patients or assist with mobility as needed.

    • Familiarity with sonography techniques is beneficial but not required.

    • Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a healthcare team.

    • Commitment to providing compassionate care and advocating for patient needs.

    • 1099 Opportunity

    Join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve through dedicated psychiatric care.

  • Full-Time | Hybrid Flexibility | Based in Ann Arbor

    We are currently seeking a fully licensed psychotherapist, with a primary focus on working with children, to join our Ann Arbor team. This is a W2 role offering hybrid flexibility and requiring some evening and weekend hours.

    This role is ideal for clinicians who are passionate about child-centered care and interested in developing advanced skills in neurodiversity-affirming, integrative treatment. You will work in a training-rich environment with close collaboration alongside psychology, psychiatry, and occupational therapy.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Scheduling and conducting 20-27 clinical hours of individual, family, and/or couples therapy to children, adolescents, and adults — including some evening and weekend hours.

    • Engage in roughly 10 hours/week of admin, continuing education, meetings, and collaborative work.

    • Develop treatment plans through a strengths-based and collaborative lens.

    • Participate in multidisciplinary case consultations with psychologists, occupational therapists, and psychiatric providers.

    • Maintain timely and professional documentation within our EHR.

    • Collaborate with caregivers, schools, and community partners to support holistic well-being.

    Required Qualifications:

    • Master’s or Doctoral degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage & Family Therapy.

    • Fully licensed in the State of Michigan.

    • Demonstrated strong diagnostic, therapeutic, and documentation skills; as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

    • Commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and values-driven care.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Paneled with Blue Care Network.

    • Experience working with children with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profiles.

    • Experience or strong interest in trauma, neurodiversity, and family systems work.

    Workplace Benefits Include:

    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

    • Retirement matching

    • Malpractice insurance coverage

    • Steady client referrals & marketing support

    • Access to office space for in-person or telehealth sessions

    • Weekly group case consultations & supervision opportunities

    • Comprehensive therapist support team

    • Electronic Health Record access

    • Opportunities to train and supervise practicum students

  • Full-Time | Hybrid Flexibility | Based in Farmington Hills

    We are currently seeking a fully licensed psychotherapist (psychologist, social worker, professional counselor, or marriage and family therapist) to join our Farmington Hills team. This is a W2 role offering hybrid flexibility and requiring some evening and weekend hours..

    This role is ideal for clinicians who are passionate about child-centered care and interested in developing advanced skills in neurodiversity-affirming, integrative treatment. You will work in a training-rich environment with close collaboration alongside psychology, psychiatry, and occupational therapy.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Scheduling and conducting 20-27 clinical hours of individual, family, and/or couples therapy to children, adolescents, and adults — with some evening and weekend hours.

    • Engage in roughly 10 hours/week of admin, continuing education, meetings, and collaborative work.

    • Develop treatment plans through a strengths-based and collaborative lens.

    • Participate in multidisciplinary case consultations with psychologists, occupational therapists, and psychiatric providers.

    • Maintain timely and professional documentation within our EHR.

    • Collaborate with caregivers, schools, and community partners to support holistic well-being.

    Required Qualifications:

    • Master’s or Doctoral degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage & Family Therapy.

    • Fully licensed in the State of Michigan.

    • Demonstrated strong diagnostic, therapeutic, and documentation skills; as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

    • Commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and values-driven care.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Paneled with Blue Care Network.

    • Experience working with children and families, or couples.

    • Experience or strong interest in trauma, neurodiversity, and family systems work.

    Workplace Benefits Include:

    • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

    • Retirement matching

    • Malpractice insurance coverage

    • Steady client referrals & marketing support

    • Access to office space for in-person or telehealth sessions

    • Weekly group case consultations & supervision opportunities

    • Comprehensive therapist support team

    • Electronic Health Record access

    • Opportunities to train and supervise practicum students

  • 10 hours per week | Unpaid | Hybrid

    We are seeking a motivated Social Media & Marketing Summer Intern to support our marketing and communications efforts. This internship is designed for students or early-career professionals who want hands-on experience building a portfolio in social media content creation, digital marketing, and media management.

    The Social Media & Marketing intern will assist with developing and managing social media content across multiple platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, LinkedIn). This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience in content planning, trend analysis, SEO basics, and social media strategy.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Assist with planning, creating, and scheduling social media content

    • Film and edit short-form video content (including reels and similar formats)

    • Support day-to-day management of social media channels

    • Monitor social media trends, platform algorithms, and emerging content styles

    • Assist with basic SEO strategies and digital marketing initiatives

    • Capture photo and video content in-office for marketing and promotional use

    • Collaborate with leadership on content ideas and campaign planning

    • Analyze engagement metrics and contribute ideas to improve reach and performance


    Location & Travel
    This position will occasionally require travel to our office locations in Ann Arbor, Plymouth, and Farmington Hills to create in-person content for social media.


    Qualifications

    • Must be 18 years or older

    • Preferably a current college student studying communications, marketing, public relations, media studies, or a related field

    • Familiarity with major social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.)

    • Experience creating short-form video content (Reels, TikTok-style editing)

    • Understanding of social media trends, engagement strategies, and platform algorithms

    • Interest in SEO, digital marketing, and content strategy

    • Strong creativity, organization, and communication skills

    • Comfortable appearing in or filming social media content when needed


    What You’ll Gain

    • Hands-on experience in social media marketing and digital strategy

    • Real-world portfolio content you can showcase to future employers

    • Experience managing social media accounts and analyzing engagement

    • Mentorship and exposure to professional marketing workflows


    Time Commitment

    • Approximately 10 hours per week

    • Flexible scheduling depending on project needs

    If you have any questions, please direct them to our Marketing Manager, Kiera Dressler-Reed at k.dressler@malafamily.org

  • Full-Time | Hybrid

    Mala Child & Family Institute is seeking an experienced and passionate Marriage and Family Therapist to lead our MFT training program while also providing direct clinical care and supervision. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned clinician to shape the next generation of relational therapists while working in a mission-driven, multidisciplinary setting.

    The ideal candidate is a skilled supervisor and systems thinker who is deeply committed to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and neurodiversity-affirming care. You will help oversee our MFT trainees, supervise, and carry a caseload of your own.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Oversee the Marriage and Family Therapy training program, including curriculum development, evaluations, and student support

    • Provide clinical supervision to MFT trainees and post-graduate fellows

    • Carry a caseload of individuals, couples, and families

    • Collaborate with leadership and other training directors to ensure alignment across disciplines

    • Participate in case consultations, program development, and community outreach efforts

    • Foster a learning environment that is inclusive, ethical, and grounded in best practices

    Required Qualifications:

    • Fully licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Michigan

    • Approved MFT Supervisor (or eligible within 6 months)

    • Minimum of 3 years of post-licensure clinical experience

    • Demonstrated experience in training or supervising MFT students

    • Strong understanding of family systems, trauma, and relational therapies

    • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and values-driven leadership

    This is a full-time role with flexible hours and hybrid options.

How to Apply to Work at Mala

STEP 1: Spend time learning about our story, philosophy, programs, services, and our team.

STEP 2: Click on the link below to submit your resume, a letter of recommendation, and a cover letter explaining why you want to work at our organization.

STEP 3: We will reach out to you to schedule an interview if you seem to be a good candidate.

STEP 4: We will contact three of your references.

STEP 5: If we offer you the position, we offer you a chance to meet with one of our staff confidentially to ask any questions you may have to learn about their experiences being part of the Mala team.

QUESTIONS? Please email admin@malafamily.org.

apply here

Our Core Values

  • We believe that healing starts with a sense of safety through connection with

    others, connection with ourselves, and connection to our world. We treat our team members, clients, and

    partners with mutual respect, compassion, and sensitivity.

  • We believe in staying true to who we are and seeking validation internally rather than working on being perfect and seeking a sense of worth externally.

  • We believe that everyone, regardless of their gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origins, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socio-economic difference, appearance, language and accent, disability, mental health, education, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role and function, thinking style, and personality type should be included and feel safe, treated equally, respectfully, fairly, and compassionately, and valued for who it is they fully and authentically are.

  • We believe in providing high quality and individualized care that integrates the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.

  • We are one organization, one team. We are committed to a teamwork environment where every person is a valued member, treated with respect, encouraged to contribute, and recognized and rewarded for their efforts.

  • We believe in accepting our responsibilities, meeting our commitments, and acting with honesty and integrity. We believe in being open to feedback and using it to grow to provide better care and service.

  • We believe that growth should be rooted, intentional, and transparent. We value slow and steady progress, change that is thoughtful, predictable, and organized. We recognize that trauma-informed care doesn’t just happen in the therapy room, but in how we evolve as a team and organization. We value communicating changes clearly, honor the nervous system’s need for safety and stability, and prioritize clarity over urgency. We believe the best systems are the ones that people can trust, grow within, and count on.

  • We believe that as mental health and occupational therapy providers, we not only have a responsibility to but are also worthy of doing our own inner work. We believe that this happens by valuing and staying committed to learning about who it is that we authentically are, what behaviors we are engaging in that are no longer serving us, and how we can continue to grow. We believe that healing and emotional growth are lifelong journeys, done within safe and nurturing connections, spaces, and processes that bring us closer to loving ourselves and others with compassion and openness.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF OF OPERATIONS - RYLEIGH STRONG, MSW

At Mala, we believe operations are about the people within the systems. Here’s what guides our work behind the scenes:

Systems Should Uplift, Not Create Barriers: Our operations and HR work is grounded in the belief that every logistical decision is an opportunity to affirm human dignity. We are committed to designing systems that reflect our values of equity, care, and accessibility. Behind every form, policy, and process is a person trying to show up for themselves, their families, or their community, and we’re here to make that easier, not harder.

We Live Our Values From the Inside Out: We’re not just here to make things run. We’re here to ensure that how things run aligns with what we stand for. We believe in creating a workplace where staff feel supported, seen, and empowered to grow. As a team led by individuals who know what it’s like to navigate systems that weren’t built for them, we’re passionate about reimagining what leadership, inclusion, and care can look like at every level of the organization.

Two-story blue house with white porch railing and columns, American flag on porch, front steps, flower bed with white flowers, and detached garage in the driveway, under a clear blue sky.