Family Counselor (MST)

Youth Villages•Jackson, TN

23h•$52,000 - $60,000

About The Position

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families. As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully. For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org Program Overview: Youth Villages provides intensive in-home services for youth ages 12 to 17 through Multisystemic Therapy (MST®), an evidence-based therapeutic model designed to support adjudicated youth—adolescents who are involved in or at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system—and their families. MST focuses on the multiple systems that influence a young person’s behavior, including their family, peer group, school, and community. Family Counselors work directly with the youth and caregivers in the home, school, and community settings and are available 24/7 to provide therapeutic and crisis support. The primary goal of MST is to equip caregivers with effective tools to manage challenging behaviors, reduce the risk of out-of-home placement, and promote lasting positive change. Specific objectives include improving school attendance and academic performance, decreasing substance use, enhancing prosocial connections, and strengthening family functioning.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a social services discipline (preferred)
Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline (required)
Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)
One year of related experience in counseling and/or case management (required)
Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Nice To Haves

Experience working with youth or families in need of crisis intervention (preferred)
Clinical experience (preferred)

Responsibilities

Carries a caseload of 4 to 5 families
Holds individual and family sessions with each family 3 times a week, scheduled at the convenience of the families
Conducts multi-systemic therapy (MST) assessments that include identifying and engaging key participants, identifying systemic strengths and weaknesses, and developing an analysis of the fit of problem behaviors within the ecological context
Engages primary caregivers and other key participants in active change-oriented treatment by identifying/overcoming barriers and maintains alignment while receiving services
Provides direct clinical treatment using methods compatible with MST principles and practices
Provides on-call crisis support to the youth and family (schedules vary by location)
Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development to help enhance clinical skills
Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
Performs other duties as assigned