Community Counselor, CFTSS - HYBRID

St Catherine s Center for Children•Albany, NY

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Within the Community Counselor position, you will be facilitating the service called Community Psychiatric Support Services (“CPST”) within the Child and Family Treatment Support Services Program (“CFTSS”). The youth in this program have been identified, or are at risk of developing mental health, substance abuse, or developmental challenges. This service is intended to improve their health and well-being while maintaining them in their homes and communities. CPST services are goal oriented and utilize solution-focused interventions intended to address challenges associated with a behavioral health need and to achieve identified goals or objectives as set forth in the child’s treatment plan while being in accordance with CFTSS regulations. Activities provided under CPST are intended to assist the child/youth and family/caregivers to achieve stability and foster improvement in daily living, personal recovery, resiliency, family and interpersonal relationships, school relationships and create community integration. This support service is also aimed to help the youth’s family or caregivers manage the daily challenges of parenting a child with mental health and/or behavioral needs. Services in part are provided for 20 hours and are delivered in the youth’s home, school, or other community settings, and are always goal-directed based on the individual needs of that youth and family. Oftentimes, the service delivered by the Community Counselor will be in conjunction to other services being delivered to the youth and family. As such, Community Counselor staff must work in a coordinated manner with both agency and outside providers.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or in related human services field, plus one year of applicable experience; OR Bachelor's Degree in social work, psychology, or in related human services field AND 2 years of applicable experience in children’s mental health, addiction, foster care/child welfare/juvenile justice, and/or a related human services field.
Local travel is required to provide youth services; therefore, it is essential to have a clean and valid New York State Driver’s License; actively licensed for at least one (1) year , with a reliable (fully-insured) vehicle with proof of 100/300 liability coverage.
Ability to safely transport young children, which may include lifting and carrying a young infant and/or toddler; as well as ability to utilize a car seat.
Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate client schedules, which may include some early evening hours.
Knowledge of community resources is highly beneficial.
Proficiency in various computer applications: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Business Workspace Suite, and use secure Internet practices.
Self-motivated and engaged, with a strong attention to detail; Excellent writing aptitude.
Capacity and openness to work with populations from culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, including but not limited to a broad range of people with various developmental and functional levels.
Have a professional record of integrity, proven reliability and dependability; with qualities of positivity, flexibility and adaptability to day-to-day changes with client needs and functioning.
Capable of exercising ethical, independent judgment and discretion, and handle sensitive data with strict confidentiality.
Staff in driving positions must be able to meet the agency’s minimum requirements of our insurance policy for authorized drivers; including, but not limited to the minimum age of 21 at time of hire, and the ability to maintain insurability throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of community resources is highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

Engage directly with youth and families in their home and community to provide 1-1 teaching, coaching, psychoeducation, and rehabilitative counseling to build the skills and capacities of a youth struggling with mental health and developmental challenges.
Provide services as identified on the youth’s Treatment/Service Plan following the specific frequency, scope, and duration while being in accordance with Child and Family Treatment Support Services (CFTSS) regulations.
Regular and ongoing communication with other providers and family to advocate for a youth’s needs, mental health wellbeing and any non-healthcare needs (ex. housing, employment, social support).
Timely and accurately document the delivery of services in an electronic health record.
Local travel required to provide the services in the youth home, school, or other community settings.
Maintain a positive, strength-based and person-centered approach at all times.
Additional position-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

Pension Plan: Secure your future with a retirement pension plan featuring a generous agency contribution.
403(b) Retirement Savings: Pre-tax savings options to further build your nest egg.
Student Loan Forgiveness: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, employment here qualifies eligible staff for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program .
Expense Reimbursements: Travel and mileage reimbursements for any role-related transit.
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Choice of robust Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to fit your needs.
Well-being Reimbursement: A $600 annual benefit dedicated to supporting your personal wellness journey.
Generous Combined Leave Time (CLT) plus paid holidays so you can rest and recharge.
Life Insurance: Fully employer-paid, automatic life insurance coverage at no cost to you.
Paid Certifications & Training: Fully covered training updates, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and CPR/AED/First Aid.
Tuition Assistance: Financial support for continuing education and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
Career Advancement: Clear pathways for professional development and internal career growth.
Welcoming, business-casual work environment rooted in our core values of Mindfulness, Relevance, Respect, and Solidarity.