Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Therapist

Center for Justice Innovation•New York, NY

11d•$70,000 - $77,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Queens Community Justice Center is seeking a Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Therapist for Atlas, a community-based violence prevention initiative providing intensive, voluntary therapeutic services to young people at elevated risk of violence, victimization, or re-arrest. The role uses the evidence-based, strength-focused FFT model to support youth and their families through holistic anti-violence services. Clients may be referred by criminal court, juvenile justice, mental health, school, or child welfare systems. Services are short-term and typically provided in clients’ homes, with sessions also taking place in the office or other community settings. Therapy is delivered in person, not remotely. The FFT Therapist reports to the Justice Center’s FFT Supervisor. The position is based in Queens, NY, and involves a caseload of up to 12 cases, documentation and reporting, collaboration with referral sources and the therapy team, and participation in FFT training, supervision, and consultation. The therapist must be willing to work evenings and weekends as required. The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. It works with communities, courts, and people directly affected by the justice system through operating programs, conducting research, and providing expert assistance and policy guidance. The Center has more than 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, education, or another relevant human service profession.
Willingness to work evening and weekend hours as required.
Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Demonstrated expertise providing individual and family therapy using cognitive behavioral techniques, with a commitment to evidence-based practices.
Experience working directly with at-risk youth, particularly youth ages 13 to 18 in Black and Latino communities, in justice prevention and family-centered care.
Comfort and experience conducting in-home therapy sessions, particularly in urban settings in Queens.
Flexibility to meet clients’ needs, including evening and weekend availability.

Responsibilities

Provide in-person, home-based Functional Family Therapy in accordance with model fidelity, in homes, the office, or community settings.
Engage clients creatively and persistently and build strong therapeutic relationships.
Work collaboratively with families from a strengths-based approach, helping them use their resources for growth and change.
Advocate for youth and families and demonstrate belief in individuals’ capacity to grow and thrive.
Provide culturally sensitive and adaptable services that create a comfortable environment for people from diverse backgrounds.
Empower families to develop problem-solving skills and meet with them at accessible times and locations, primarily in their homes.
Engage referral sources, including the Legal Aid Society, NYC Law Department, schools, and QCJC programs, to introduce families to the FFT model.
Participate in community events with team members to foster local connections and support.
Manage a caseload of up to 12 cases and maintain accurate electronic and physical files.
Enter progress notes promptly in the CSS system and meet FFT requirements for external reporting and data tracking.
Collaborate with the therapy team through weekly team meetings and individual supervision sessions.
Connect families with appropriate clinical services, resources, and practical supports.
Travel to and from client homes as required to provide therapy and support.
Participate in FFT training, supervision, and consultation activities to maintain model fidelity and quality.
Perform additional tasks as necessary.