Counselor-Child Protection Jacksonville

University of Florida•Jacksonville, FL

About The Position

Functions as a therapist for the professional, multidisciplinary Child Protection Team and Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, which provides and coordinates services for victims of child abuse and neglect. Assesses needs and provides therapy to children and families verified as victims of abuse following Child Protection Team assessment. The role requires knowledge of child abuse and neglect and family dynamics, as well as skills in assessment, case management, crisis intervention, trauma-based therapy, judicial-system advocacy and expert-witness work, and knowledge of community resources and appropriate referrals. The position serves the Jacksonville-area program, including Baker, Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties, and requires travel to other counties. Provides direct therapy and counseling to child victims, victims’ siblings, and non-offending caregivers, and crisis intervention to families. Coordinates intakes, evaluations, and interviews with children and family members to obtain psychosocial information for clinical evaluations. Develops and maintains relationships with staff and other agencies to coordinate services and support through advocacy, referrals, and follow-up. Develops behaviorally specific treatment plans for family members involved in the program and completes safety planning to prevent continued or future abuse. Attends case staffing, coordinates client services and community referrals, maintains client records and treatment-goal documentation consistent with program requirements, and conducts community training as assigned. This is a time-limited position; its duration depends on circumstances such as the availability of funding. A Level 2 DCF background check and health assessment are required. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and names and contact information for three references. Work visa sponsorship is unavailable. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States.

Requirements

Hold one of the following credentials to provide psychosocial counseling: 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 master's degree in counseling; a master's degree or Ph.D. in psychology; or be a master's- or doctoral-level graduate student intern in an accredited social work, psychology, or counseling program under the supervision of a licensed practitioner qualified to supervise interns.
Knowledge of child abuse and neglect and family dynamics.
Skills in assessment, case management, crisis intervention, and trauma-based therapy.
Experience with the judicial system as an advocate and expert witness.
Knowledge of available community resources and making appropriate referrals.
Ability to travel to other counties.
Level 2 DCF background check required.
Health assessment required.
Eligibility to work in the United States is required.

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 problem(s).
One year of clinical counseling experience, including at least 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, their siblings, 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 services and support through advocacy, referral, and follow-up.
Develop behaviorally specific treatment plans for 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.