Counselor - Families Now

The Young Women s Christian Association of Ulster County Inc • City of Kingston, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

FAMILIES NOW IS AN INTENSIVE FAMILY PRESERVATION PROGRAM SERVING FAMILIES RESIDING IN ULSTER COUNTY. UTILIZING A STRENGTHS-BASED AND SOLUTION-FOCUSED MODEL, FAMILIES NOW COUNSELORS ARE POSITIVE COLLABORATORS WHO CAN INSPIRE DYNAMIC CHANGE AND HOPEFULNESS WITHIN THE FAMILY FRAMEWORK. Provide intensive home-based services to families at imminent risk of losing one or more of their children to an out-of-home placement (i.e.: foster care, residential, or group home). Each Families Now counselor carries a caseload of two families for a period of four to six weeks. 10-15 direct contact hours per week is spent with each family. The amount of time allotted for concrete services and counseling focus depends on the unique needs of the family. The program provides around-the-clock crisis availability. Treatment takes place primarily in the family’s home or in a location chosen by them.

Requirements

• Master’s in Social Work (MSW) or a BSW
• 3 + years of in field social work/counseling experience - work with clients in home and experience working with DSS clients preferred
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to walk up and down stairs

Nice To Haves

• Professional licensure is preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive services delivered at the point of crisis; continuously reassess for safety throughout intervention.
• Practice solution-focused and skills-based interventions based on strengths and needs.
• Provide concrete services for meeting basic needs (food, clothing, shelter).
• Procure pertinent wrap-around services. Provide information and referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Conduct in-person home visits 3-5 days per week. Counselors use their own vehicles for all visits and client transport.
• Maintain daily progress notes to provide a record of case activity. Write Family Assessment Service Plans, termination summaries, and case reviews.
• Participate in weekly individual supervision and weekly staff meetings.
• Educate families in areas commonly associated with child development, parent training, anger management, behavioral management skills, communication, structure, and other family needs.
• Collaborate with the local Department of Social Services regarding treatment protocol and recommendations.

Benefits

• Paid time vacation and sick time
• employer contribution toward health insurance
• retirement contributions after two years of employment
• 100% employee contribution 403B available
• mileage reimbursement from the Families Now office to client homes and for client transportation, at the federal rate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree