FFSP Clinical Counselor

Serve as a Non-medical Clinical Counselor within Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR).

About the role

Provide non-medical clinical counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups on family dynamics, parent-child interaction, couples' communication, adjustment to commonly occurring personal and family issues/circumstances, adjustment to military life, and psycho-educational training programs.

Responsibilities

• Non-medical Clinical Counseling (NMC) (40%)
  • Receive and assess referrals from military and civilian agencies for individuals, couples, families, and groups experiencing commonly occurring life circumstance issues or adjustment disorders.
  • Provide direct, short-term, solution-focused NMC counseling services using psychotherapeutic approaches such as cognitive therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, family systems therapy, and expressive therapies.
  • Refer clients with issues outside the authorized scope of care (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance use disorders, major depression) to military or civilian behavioral health providers.
  • Initiate, develop, and facilitate group treatment programs to address family needs.
  • Provide critical incident intervention services when requested.
  • Conduct on-site/regional quarterly quality assurance (QA) reviews of cases to ensure safe and high-quality NMC counseling services.
  • Document all NMC services in the FFSP management information system.
• Installation Family Advocacy Program (FAP) (40%)
  • Provide initial and ongoing case management services, including triaging clients, educating on mandated reporting protocols for child and domestic abuse, conducting risk and lethality assessments, and developing safety and treatment plans.
  • Provide referrals, establish individualized treatment goals, and follow up on child abuse/neglect and domestic abuse allegations involving military members and their families.
  • Identify crisis situations during clinical assessments and provide immediate crisis intervention.
  • Provide non-medical treatment/intervention for individuals, couples, children, families, and groups on matters pertaining to family maltreatment.
  • Initiate, develop, and facilitate evidence-based group treatment programs for families involved in or at risk for family violence (e.g., domestic abuse offender's group, parenting group, victim support groups).
  • Manage assigned cases and consult with the FAP Supervisor on highly complex or unique cases.
  • Coordinate with the assigned FAP Victim Advocate to address victims' needs and concerns.
  • Notify the Family Advocacy Representative (FAR) when treatment circumstances meet criteria for convening the installation High Risk for Violence-Coordinated Community Response Team.
  • Comply with regional and local SOPs, counseling desk guidance, and FFSP certification standards related to FAP.
  • Participate in quality assurance and risk management activities, including Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation, peer review, and clinical case consultation on FAP treatment.
  • Coordinate or deliver FAP training and facilitate education services to inform about family violence, FAP requirements, and available services.
  • May serve as the primary or alternate FAR, responsible for overall management of the installation FAP, advising the IDC chair, presenting cases to the IDC, and chairing the CCSM.
• Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY) (10%)
  • Receive reports of problematic sexual behaviors in children and youth (PSB-CY) and take appropriate action per FAP PSB-CY requirements.
  • Provide or coordinate access to clinical services with other FAP providers or community clinical providers.
  • Provide or coordinate specialized assessments and evaluations as recommended by the CCSM.
  • Coordinate with healthcare providers on safety and supervision planning for children and families affected by problematic sexual behaviors.
  • Serve as the designated case manager and primary FAP point of contact for PSB-CY.
  • Support children and families affected by PSB-CY by providing at-risk and safety planning information for the coordinated community response (CCR).
  • Promote public awareness, prevention, early identification, and appropriate resources for PSB-CY through training, campaigns, distributed information, community activities, or unit briefings.
• Community Liaison Duties (10%)
  • Liaison with cities, counties, states, federal, non-government agencies, and military agencies to enhance FAP prevention and response for the military community.
  • Represent the Navy at community liaison meetings, educating on domestic violence risk/protective factors, coordinating services for military members and their families, and engaging in community domestic violence prevention and awareness activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
• Must meet federal suitability requirements, including successful completion of a background investigation, and obtain/maintain a Secret Security Clearance (T3).
• Must meet FAP personnel-clinical staff qualifications listed in Title 32 CFR Part 61, Subpart B, PS 28, and Tier II qualification requirements described in SECNAVINST 1754.8.
• This position is designated as Non-Critical Sensitive. Incumbents must obtain and maintain eligibility for Secret security clearance, including a background investigation and credit check.
• Requires regular contact with children under the age of 18 and a favorable determination of suitability, with periodic re-verification of multiple agency records.
• Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel up to 20% of the time may be required for training, FFSP certification visits, or delivering services aboard ships.
• May require flexible working hours (e.g., 0700-1500 or 0900-1800) to accommodate clients' needs, including weekend hours.
• Requires routine on-site access to government facilities; off-site telework is situational only.
• Must have a valid, state-issued driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the CNIC Fleet and Family Support Program and comprehensive knowledge of military lifestyles, including common stressors, to effectively modify treatment programs for the military community.
• Professional knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing child and spouse abuse and family violence, and skill in applying family violence dynamics to identify situations, conduct risk assessments, and coordinate safety planning.
• In-depth knowledge of family systems related to patterns of abusive behavior, abuse response, substance abuse, human behavior, human sexuality, attention deficit disorder, and juvenile delinquency.
• Skill in applying the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to recognize, identify, and assess mental disorders and personal/social problems, reach accurate conclusions, and provide appropriate solutions.
• Expert knowledge of evidence-based and trauma-informed counseling approaches, clinical treatment principles, research methods, group dynamics, motivational interviewing, developmental psychology, and family systems therapy to counsel individuals, couples, families, and groups.
• Skill in applying various counseling approaches, including psychosocial, to assess, triage, refer, and manage difficult and serious cases involving at-risk behavior.
• Professional knowledge of verbal communication methods and techniques to work effectively with diverse individuals and families, present sensitive information, discuss cases, deliver presentations, and maintain professional relationships.
• Professional knowledge of written communication methods and techniques, and skill in using FFSP management information systems and applicable software to document case management, treatment plans, and counseling services.

Education

• A Master's degree or doctorate in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, Clinical Psychology, or a related field from an accredited U.S. institution.
• Must hold and maintain a current, valid state clinical license permitting independent practice as a health practitioner, fully meeting Tier II or Tier III SECNAVINST 1754.8 requirements.
• Must maintain current continuing education credits/units to keep the license active.

This position is subject to Executive Order 12564, requiring a drug-free Federal workplace. The use of illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.