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

JFCS Of The Suncoast • Sarasota, FL

110d

About The Position

The CYRS Counselor (Master's Level) provides time-limited, in-home prevention and intervention counseling for youth ages 9–17 and their families. The role supports and stabilizes clients who lack immediate access to mental health services and addresses challenges including suicidal ideation without immediate intent, aggression, maladaptive coping behaviors such as self-harm, excessive emotional distress, repetitive flight risks, binge eating, and substance use.

The Counselor conducts rapid risk assessments, provides in-home or community-based counseling, develops therapeutic action and safety plans, coordinates referrals and community resources, and monitors client progress. The role also requires timely responses to calls and referrals, documentation in compliance with agency and funding source standards, and follow-up with clients for six months after discharge. The position requires cultural competency, collaboration with clients and families, and responsiveness outside regular hours.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Availability to respond outside regular hours.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• 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.
• Strong clinical documentation skills and experience using electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to move throughout agency locations and sit for extended periods during client sessions and meetings.

Nice To Haves

• LMHC or LCSW licensure, or registered intern status.
• At least 2 years of experience in behavioral health counseling and crisis intervention.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices, including substance abuse treatment, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other evidence-based modalities.
• Commitment to professional development in domestic violence, trauma, substance abuse, and vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rapid risk assessments to determine whether a child is in imminent danger and needs a higher level of care.
• Evaluate current or recent suicidal thoughts, including means, intent, and plans when indicated by screening responses.
• 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 for escalation to the Sarasota Mobile Response Team (MRT) as needed.
• Address non-emergent calls within 48 hours.
• Identify and evaluate coping mechanisms, including skills clients have used successfully in the past, to help stabilize crises.
• Develop and implement therapeutic action plans based on clinical needs and conduct weekly sessions to monitor progress.
• Create and maintain safety plans tailored to clients’ 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 at 30-day intervals for six months after discharge.
• 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 socioeconomic issues.
• Attend all mandatory JFCS and Department of Children and Families (DCF) trainings.
• Maintain active Florida licensure by completing required continuing education units.

Benefits

• 403(b) plan with matching contributions.
• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off starting at 15 days per year.
• 17–18 paid holidays annually, including federal and Jewish holidays.
• Early Friday closures at 3:30 PM.
• 37.5-hour work week.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for employees with eligible federal student loans who meet program requirements.

What This Job Offers

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