Counselor (BIPS)

PHMC•Philadelphia, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bridge Intensive Prevention Services (BIPS), an after-school program serving at-risk youth ages 10–19 and their families in West Philadelphia, seeks a master’s-trained Counselor skilled in providing trauma-informed support to youth facing challenges at home, in school, and in the community. Reporting to the BIPS Program Director, the Counselor provides coordinated care guided by each youth’s treatment plan, conducts behavioral health screenings, provides regular individual counseling, facilitates group sessions, and connects youth and families with additional services, including individual and family therapy, as needed. The Counselor maintains a caseload of approximately 17 youth and their families, works collaboratively with the Case Manager, and coordinates family-centered treatment on-site and in participants’ homes. The role includes intake and assessment, treatment planning, service coordination, group facilitation, referrals, and accurate documentation in accordance with DHS requirements and the CBPS database. The position is based at 4601 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19139, with a Monday-to-Friday schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The ideal candidate demonstrates organizational skills, confidentiality, ethical practice, cultural humility, empathy, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. They bring knowledge of adolescent development, family systems, mental health, substance use, Philadelphia’s youth and family resources, and strengths-based, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, psychology, family therapy, or a related field.
At least two years of relevant counseling experience.
Experience serving diverse populations, including at-risk youth and their families.
Experience applying trauma-informed care principles in direct services.
Knowledge of and experience supporting at-risk youth ages 10–19, including those affected by substance use, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Competence in individual, group, and family therapy, with an emphasis on strengths-based practices and empowerment.
Ability to apply trauma-informed therapeutic approaches to support youth facing challenges at home, in school, and in the community.
Knowledge of adolescent development, family systems, mental health disorders, and substance use.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to incorporate strengths-based, recovery-oriented principles into care.
Cultural responsiveness and sensitivity to racial, cultural, and socioeconomic differences, with the ability to adapt interventions to meet diverse needs.
Knowledge of Philadelphia’s social service system and community resources for youth and families.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; maintains confidentiality and adheres to ethical standards.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with team members; demonstrates empathy, patience, and a nonjudgmental approach.

Responsibilities

Maintain an approximate caseload of 17 youth and their families, providing weekly family-focused counseling and case coordination.
Collaborate with the Case Manager to deliver coordinated, family-centered treatment on-site and in participants’ homes.
Provide trauma-informed support to youth facing challenges at home, in school, and in the community.
Assist with intake and assessment using the Bridge biopsychosocial assessment form.
Conduct behavioral health screenings at intake and as additional concerns emerge.
Develop individualized, comprehensive treatment plans informed by psychological evaluations and other assessments.
Participate in service plan meetings with the Case Manager, youth, and families to establish treatment goals and discharge criteria, incorporating discharge planning from admission.
Build and maintain relationships with community organizations throughout Philadelphia to connect youth and families with appropriate resources.
Facilitate psychoeducational, life skills, and other structured educational groups for BIPS youth.
Coordinate with behavioral health providers and other professionals involved in each youth’s and family’s care.
Refer youth and families to additional treatment and support services as needed.
Attend required case consultations, staff meetings, and trainings.
Maintain accurate, timely records of contacts, services, and progress toward treatment goals in accordance with DHS documentation requirements.
Enter progress notes and maintain current case records in the CBPS database.
Perform additional administrative duties assigned by the Program Director to support program operations and growth.