Counselor (Master's Level / Registered Intern) - Community Youth Response Service CYRS- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible

JFCS Of The Suncoast • Sarasota, FL

27d • Hybrid

About The Position

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 (Master's Level) 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.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.
• LMHC or LCSW or registered intern preferred
• At least 2+ years in behavioral health counseling and crisis intervention preferred.
• Valid Florida driver’s license, availability to respond outside regular hours, and ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• 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).
• Attend all JFCS and Department of Children and Families (DCF) mandatory trainings.
• Maintain active Florida licensure by completing all required CEUs.
• Ability to move throughout agency locations and sit for extended periods during client sessions and meetings.

Nice To Haves

• LMHC or LCSW or registered intern preferred
• At least 2+ years in behavioral health counseling and crisis intervention preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

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.

Benefits

• 403(b) plan with matching contributions.
• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Generous PTO starting at 15 days per year and 17-18 paid holidays annually, including federal and Jewish holidays.
• Early closures on Fridays at 3:30 PM and a 37.5-hour work week.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Qualifying employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level