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.

  • 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.

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Mala

At Mala, DEI is a way of being.

We believe that healing can only happen in spaces where people feel safe, affirmed, and fully seen. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) department helps ensure that our values are woven into every part of our organization, from how we show up for clients, to how we care for our staff, to how we design our training programs.

Led by Antoinette Ulmer, a clinical social worker and advocate with lived experience navigating systems not built for them, our DEI department is committed to truth-telling, ongoing education, and culture-shifting, within our walls and beyond.

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.

Our Open Roles

  • Full-Time | 30–40 Hours per Week | Hybrid

    Mala Child & Family Institute is seeking a dedicated and experienced clinician to serve as Co-Director of our growing Assessment Department. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming psychological assessment within a multidisciplinary team.

    The ideal candidate is research-reliable in both the ADOS and ADI-R and has a passion for collaborative care, mentorship, and culturally sensitive evaluations.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Conduct psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and/or adults, with a focus on neurodevelopmental, trauma-related, and complex presentations

    • Co-lead department growth initiatives and collaborate with leadership on program development

    • Provide supervision, training, and mentorship to trainees and team members after a period of acclimation

    • Participate in multidisciplinary case consultations and quality assurance efforts

    • Contribute to a positive and supportive clinic culture rooted in our core values

    Mandatory Requirements:

    • Research reliability in both ADOS and ADI-R

    • Licensed (or license-eligible) psychologist in the state of Michigan

    • Experience conducting comprehensive psychological assessments

    • Commitment to trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally responsive care

    This is a full-time position (30–40 hours/week), with flexibility in scheduling and opportunities for hybrid work.

  • 15–25 Hours per Week | In-Person | Ann Arbor Locations

    Mala Child & Family Institute is seeking a passionate and collaborative Occupational Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team. This part-time role is ideal for a clinician who is committed to helping children, adults, and families thrive through trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally responsive care.

    Our ideal candidate is grounded in sensory integration theory and has experience working with children and adolescents, especially those with developmental, emotional, and/or regulatory needs.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Provide individual occupational therapy sessions to children and adolescents and adults

    • Complete evaluations and treatment plans using a strengths-based and family-centered lens

    • Collaborate closely with a team of psychologists, social workers, counselors, and medical providers

    • Participate in multidisciplinary case consults and contribute to the child’s overall care plan

    • Educate and support parents and caregivers through coaching and home programming

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy

    • Licensed and in good standing in the state of Michigan (or license-eligible)

    • Experience with sensory integration, emotional regulation, and school collaboration

    • Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills

    • Passion for working in a values-driven, inclusive environment

    This role offers flexibility in hours and opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and growth within a supportive and mission-aligned team.

  • 15–20 Hours per Week | Hybrid | Plymouth or Farmington Hills Location

    Mala Child & Family Institute is seeking a detail-oriented, compassionate, and values-driven HR Manager to support our growing multidisciplinary mental health team. This part-time leadership role is ideal for someone who is passionate about fostering a healthy workplace culture rooted in integrity, wellness, and inclusion.

    The HR Manager will oversee core HR functions, ensure compliance with employment laws, and help strengthen our systems for recruitment, onboarding, employee support, and performance development.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Manage and streamline hiring, onboarding, and offboarding processes

    • Maintain and improve HR systems, employee files, and compliance documentation

    • Support leadership in implementing policies that align with trauma-informed, equitable, and inclusive practices

    • Assist with benefits administration and payroll coordination

    • Respond to staff concerns with professionalism, care, and confidentiality

    • Contribute to the creation of a positive, connected, and mission-aligned work culture

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Bachelor’s in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field

    • Minimum 3 years of HR experience, ideally in healthcare, education, or nonprofit sectors

    • Knowledge of employment law and best practices

    • Strong communication, organizational, and conflict resolution skills

    • Passion for supporting a diverse, mission-driven team

    This position is flexible and hybrid, with in-person presence expected 1–2 days per week at one of our Metro Detroit locations.

  • 15–20 Hours per Week | In-Person | Plymouth

    Mala Child & Family Institute is seeking a highly organized, personable, and mission-aligned Office & Community Outreach Manager to support day-to-day operations and help build meaningful relationships within the community. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a people-centered environment and enjoys both logistical coordination and relationship-building.

    The ideal candidate is proactive, dependable, and passionate about creating a warm, welcoming space for clients, staff, and community partners.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Oversee the smooth daily operations of the clinic, including supplies, maintenance, and space organization

    • Serve as a liaison between the clinic and local schools, providers, and community organizations

    • Coordinate and support events, outreach efforts, and resource-sharing

    • Assist with light administrative tasks and marketing initiatives

    • Collaborate with leadership and clinical teams to ensure a positive, values-aligned environment

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Prior experience in office administration, customer service, or outreach/community engagement

    • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

    • Comfort working in a fast-paced, people-focused setting

    • Passion for mental health, wellness, and equity-driven work

    • Tech-savvy and detail-oriented

    This is an in-person role with flexible hours. We’re looking for someone who is both task-oriented and heart-centered, ready to be a steady presence in the clinic and a connector beyond our walls.

  • 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.

  • Farmington Hills Location | 10–20 Hours per Week | In-Person

    Mala Child & Family Institute is seeking a creative, compassionate, and collaborative Art Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team in Farmington Hills. This part-time role is ideal for a clinician who is passionate about using the creative process as a pathway for healing, regulation, and self-expression, especially for neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults.

    The ideal candidate integrates trauma-informed practices, honors each client’s unique neurotype, and brings both structure and imagination to the therapy space.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Provide individual and group art therapy sessions to children, adolescents, and/or young adults

    • Develop strengths-based treatment plans that support emotional regulation, sensory needs, and identity expression

    • Maintain clear documentation and communicate regularly with caregivers and interdisciplinary team members

    • Collaborate with psychologists, occupational therapists, and other mental health providers

    • Create a safe, inclusive, and affirming therapy space that honors autonomy and creativity

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Master’s degree in Art Therapy or related field

    • Credentialed (or credential-eligible) as an ATR or ATR-P; fully licensed or limited licensed in Michigan

    • Experience working with neurodivergent youth and/or individuals with complex trauma

    • Strong understanding of sensory integration, attachment, and expressive therapies

    • Passion for equity-driven, client-centered care

    This is an in-person role with flexible scheduling. We offer a supportive, growth-oriented environment rooted in collaboration, community, and care.

  • 15–20 Hours per Week | Plymouth

    Mala Child & Family Institute is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Intake Coordinator to help families take their first step toward healing and support. This part-time role is ideal for someone who is deeply aligned with our values and enjoys helping others navigate care with warmth, clarity, and efficiency.

    The Intake Coordinator is often the first point of contact for new clients and plays a key role in matching them with the right services and providers.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Respond to new client inquiries via phone, email, and website forms with professionalism and care

    • Conduct brief phone screenings and gather relevant intake information

    • Match clients with appropriate providers based on clinical needs, insurance, and availability

    • Maintain and update our scheduling and EHR systems with accuracy

    • Collaborate with clinical directors and administrative team to ensure smooth onboarding

    • Provide follow-up and support to clients who may need help navigating next steps

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience in mental health, medical, or administrative support roles

    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

    • Strong organizational abilities and comfort using technology (EHR, spreadsheets, email platforms)

    • Warm, calm, and patient presence—especially when working with individuals in distress

    • Passion for trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally responsive care

    This is an in person position with some flexibility in scheduling. Join a mission-driven team where your work helps open the door to healing for individuals and families every day.

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.

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.

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