Counselor - Children's (Field)

Directions for Living is a dynamic, mission-driven organization that supports the community while fostering an employee culture of appreciation and fun.

About the role

The Counselor - Children's provides trauma-informed counseling and behavioral support services to high-risk children and adolescents experiencing significant mental health challenges. Services are delivered directly in the client’s home and community environments. The counselor works closely with youth and their families to stabilize crises, improve emotional regulation, develop coping skills, and reduce behaviors that place the youth at risk for out-of-home placement or involvement with the juvenile justice system.

This is a field position. The Counselor is responsible for meeting an annual client-facing care requirement of 1,316 hours. Achieving the minimum required weekly, monthly, and annual client-facing hours is an essential function of this position.

Directions for Living is an essential services provider. All employees must be willing and able to provide vital support and essential services in the event of an emergency, pandemic, or other disaster situation.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counseling and therapeutic support to children and adolescents with trauma histories and complex behavioral or emotional needs.
• Deliver services within the home, school, and community settings to ensure real-world application of coping and behavioral strategies.
• Utilize trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches to address issues such as anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, and PTSD.
• Conduct assessments to identify emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors impacting the child’s well-being.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment and safety plans in collaboration with families and the clinical team.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support when needed.
• Coach parents and caregivers on effective behavioral management strategies and trauma-informed parenting techniques.
• Coordinate care with schools, case managers, child welfare agencies, and other service providers.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation and progress notes in compliance with agency and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in supervision, case consultations, and ongoing training.

Requirements

• Master's degree in counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field required.
• Minimum of 2 years previous experience working with at-risk populations (children and families).
• CAP certification preferred.
• Sufficient clinical knowledge to provide clinical intervention with adults and children who manifest a range of psychopathology, utilizing various treatment approaches including individual, family, play, and group therapy, individual psychopathology, and normal childhood development.
• Clinical knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, and other evidence-based treatments.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Must take the Wraparound for Clinicians Training (3 hours) within 30 days of employment. Preference given to individuals who have already completed this training.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health insurance premiums for all full-time employees (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability).
• Paid Time Off (5 days of PTO).
• 16 Wellness Days and Holidays, including the week of Christmas off.
• 403b retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Year-round employee wellness and appreciation initiatives.

Pay

$80,000/year