Counselor III (300024)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. LSF is seeking a talented Counselor III who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

About the Role

Provide individual and family counseling to youth. Conduct intake assessments, psycho/social evaluations, suicide risk assessments, and treatment planning. Provide “in-home” crisis counseling for families unable to travel to the office. Advocate for clients with community agencies, courts, schools, and other entities, including attending TURN (multi-disciplinary team meetings), chairing TURN committees, and participating in CINS/FINS court proceedings. Act as the lead clinical staff person for Non-Residential and Residential clinical staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, group, and family counseling to youth and their families within the home and community settings.
• Provide crisis intervention counseling to families in crisis, as assigned.
• Assist in the completion of comprehensive assessments of families in crisis.
• Perform case management duties and be accessible via cell phone to assigned clients on a 24-hour basis.
• Provide direct support to client families in implementing their case plan through constructive, active participation in family life.
• Teach and assist parents in meeting the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their children.
• Maintain an active caseload as assigned.
• Coordinate other community-based services to advocate for the needs of clients on caseload.
• Provide appropriate referrals for clients and assist in linking those referrals as necessary.
• Maintain professional communications and teamwork with referral agencies.
• Serve as an advocate for family preservation and unity.
• Provide follow-up monitoring and services to families on closed case status.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, and inter-agency staffing on clients as required.
• Staff cases, provide guidance and feedback to clinical staff, including leading case staffing and monthly staff meetings.
• Compile required reports on families on caseload and submit to supervisor in a timely manner, including progress notes, reports to appropriate agencies (e.g., DHH & C&F), and courts as needed.
• Review and sign off on client files and related documentation.
• Adhere to professional standards and ethics.
• Serve as a referral liaison by presenting agency services to schools and community agencies and organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or other related field.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure in Florida.
• Five years of experience in counseling, with a preference for adolescent and family counseling, facilitating group sessions, and performing intake, psycho/social, and risk assessments.
• Good written and verbal communication, time management, organizational, and interpersonal leadership skills.
• Ability to function in a team setting and professionally serve a diverse and multicultural client population.
• Dependability, discretion, and good judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, parents, co-workers, volunteers, governmental and other agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to function in the community without direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professional responsibility in reporting activities, conduct, and schedule to supervisor.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the service population.
• Certified in First Aid/CPR and crisis intervention.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and ability to use own vehicle to perform job duties in emergencies; must carry sufficient auto insurance coverage.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while conducting counseling sessions, completing documentation, and participating in meetings.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds for activities such as setting up group sessions or transporting materials.
• Adequate vision and hearing to observe client behavior and respond effectively during sessions.
• Manual dexterity for operating computers, phones, and other office equipment.
• Capacity to travel locally to attend home visits, community outreach events, or off-site meetings as needed.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours.
• Ability to maintain energy and focus during high-stress or emotionally intense situations.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to doctors).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance (1X salary).
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday.
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year).
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.