Counselor (Master's Level / Registered Intern) - Community Youth Response Service CYRS- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible
Jewish Family Children's Services of the Suncoast
Why Join JFCS of the Suncoast?
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others? At JFCS of the Suncoast, we are more than just an organization—we are a community driven by compassion, purpose, and a commitment to uplift those in need.
As one of the area’s leading mental health and human services agencies, we empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and stability. Rooted in the Jewish tradition of helping all people, our services are offered on a non-denominational basis, ensuring everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.
At JFCS, we seek mission-driven and empathetic team members who are ready to bring their passion and skills to a supportive, purpose-driven team. Whether you’re providing direct client support or working behind the scenes, your work will have a lasting impact.
If you’re ready to join us on this inspiring journey, we can’t wait to welcome you to JFCS of the Suncoast!
Overview
The CYRS Counselor (LMHC/LCSW) provides time-limited, in-home prevention and intervention counseling for youth ages 9-17 and their families. This role supports and stabilizes clients who lack immediate access to mental health services. The position addresses a range of challenges, including suicidal ideation (with no immediate intent), aggression, maladaptive coping behaviors (e.g., self-harm), excessive emotional distress, repetitive flight risks, binge eating, and substance use.
Benefits:
- Retirement: 403(b) plan with matching contributions.
- Insurance: Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Time Off: Generous PTO starting at 15 days per year and 17-18 paid holidays annually, including federal and Jewish holidays.
- Work-Life Balance: Early closures on Fridays at 3:30 PM and a 37.5-hour work week.
- Well-Being: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct rapid risk assessments to determine if a child is in imminent danger and requires a higher level of care to ensure safety.
- Evaluate for current or recent suicidal thoughts, including assessing for means, intent, or plans if the individual responds affirmatively to screening questions.
- Provide in-home or community-based counseling sessions for clients and families, accommodating their schedules.
- Respond to incoming calls and referrals within 120 minutes, triaging as needed for escalation to the Sarasota Mobile Response Team (MRT).
- Address non-emergent calls within 48 hours.
- Identify and evaluate coping mechanisms, including skills the individual has used successfully in the past, to help stabilize crises.
- Develop and implement therapeutic action plans based on clinical needs; conduct weekly sessions to monitor progress.
- Create and maintain safety plans tailored to clients’ specific risks and presenting issues while fostering client strengths as protective factors.
- Provide referrals and coordinate with community resources for clients and families, including warm handoffs to providers.
- Conduct follow-ups for six months post-discharge at 30-day intervals.
- Complete required assessment tools and progress notes promptly and in compliance with agency and funding source standards.
- Meet agency productivity requirements set by the supervisor.
- Demonstrate cultural competency, sensitivity to the service population, and an understanding of socio-economic issues.
Qualifications:
- Education: Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.
- Licensure: LMHC or LCSW required.
- Experience: At least 2+ years in behavioral health counseling and crisis intervention preferred.
- Other: Valid Florida driver’s license, availability to respond outside regular hours, and ability to pass a criminal background check.
- Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Proficiency in identifying and addressing the needs of abused and neglected children, child development, life span development, and family dynamics.
- Experience working with resistant individuals and families.
- Familiarity with evidence-based practices, including substance abuse treatment, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other evidence-based modalities.
- Strong clinical documentation skills, with experience using electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Professional demeanor with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Commitment to professional development in areas such as domestic violence, trauma, substance abuse, and vulnerable populations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Training Requirements:
- Attend all JFCS and Department of Children and Families (DCF) mandatory trainings.
- Maintain active Florida licensure by completing all required CEUs.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to move throughout agency locations and sit for extended periods during client sessions and meetings.
If you’re a compassionate, skilled professional eager to make a difference, apply today to join the JFCS team!