Counselor-Child Protection Jacksonville

University of Florida•Jacksonville, FL

2d•$60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Counselor-Child Protection functions as a therapist for the multidisciplinary Child Protection Team and Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, which provide and coordinate services for victims of child abuse and neglect. The position assesses needs and provides therapy to children and families verified as victims of abuse following Child Protection Team assessment. It serves the Jacksonville-area program, including Baker, Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties, and requires travel to other counties. The counselor provides therapy and counseling to child victims, victims’ siblings, and non-offending caregivers, as well as crisis intervention for families. The role coordinates intakes, evaluations, and interviews to gather psychosocial information for clinical evaluations; develops treatment plans and safety plans; and coordinates services, referrals, and follow-up with staff, agencies, and community resources. The counselor also maintains client records and treatment-goal documentation, attends case staffing, and conducts community training as assigned. The position requires knowledge of child abuse and neglect and family dynamics, along with skills in assessment, case management, crisis intervention, and trauma-based therapy. Experience with the judicial system as an advocate and expert witness, familiarity with community resources, and the ability to make appropriate referrals are also relevant.

Requirements

Qualifying credentials for psychosocial counseling include one of the following: a social worker with a master's degree or Ph.D. in social work from a CSWE-accredited school; a registered nurse with advanced specialized counseling education and training as a clinical nurse specialist or certified psychiatric nurse; a professional licensed by the Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, to provide clinical, counseling, and psychotherapy services; a counselor with a master's degree in counseling; a psychologist with a master's degree or Ph.D. in psychology; or a master's- or doctoral-level graduate student intern in an accredited social work, psychology, or counseling program working under a qualified licensed supervisor.
Knowledge of child abuse and neglect and family dynamics.
Skills in assessment, case management, crisis intervention, and trauma-based therapy.
Knowledge of available community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals.
Ability to work with the judicial system as an advocate and expert witness.
A Level 2 DCF Background Check is required.
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and names and contact information for three references.
Eligibility to work in the United States is required; work visa sponsorship is not available.
Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by NACES.

Nice To Haves

Social Worker eligible for Florida licensure.
Experience in trauma-focused care and planning.
Experience using standardized assessment tools to determine a client’s current presenting problems.
One year of clinical counseling experience, including six months providing treatment to sexually abused children and their families.

Responsibilities

Assess needs and provide therapy to children and families verified as victims of abuse following Child Protection Team assessment.
Provide direct therapy and counseling to child victims, siblings of victims, and non-offending caregivers.
Provide crisis intervention to families.
Coordinate intakes, evaluations, and interviews with children and family members to obtain psychosocial information for clinical evaluations.
Develop and maintain relationships with staff and other agencies to coordinate needed services and support through advocacy, referral, and follow-up.
Develop behaviorally specific treatment plans for all family members involved in the program.
Complete safety planning to prevent continued or future abuse.
Attend case staffing and coordinate client services and community referrals.
Maintain client records, including documentation and tracking of treatment goals and objectives consistent with program requirements.
Conduct community training as assigned.
Travel to other counties as required.