FFSP Clinical Counselor/FAP Case Manager

About the Role

Serve as a Non-medical Clinical Counselor within CNIC, Fleet and Family Readiness Department, Family Readiness Division, Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP). The purpose of this position is to provide nonmedical 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%)
  • Referrals & Assessment: Receive/assess referrals from military/civilian agencies for individuals, couples, families, and groups facing stressors (deployment, grief, relocation, relationship issues, family hardships).
  • Direct Counseling: Provide short-term, solution-focused NMC using therapies like cognitive, brief, and family systems therapy. Develop/execute treatment plans for common life issues or adjustment disorders. Assess basic personality structures, behavior patterns, and symptoms.
  • Triage & Referral: Assess/triage clients at risk of self-harm or harm to others; refer to behavioral health providers. Refer cases outside the authorized scope (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, major depression) to military/civilian providers. Coordinate with legal, medical, and social services.
  • Group Programs & Support: Facilitate group treatment for families (marital, child/adolescent). Help clients cope with life stresses (career, work), family dynamics, parenting, and crisis response (abuse). Provide critical incident intervention.
  • Admin & QA: Conduct regional quarterly quality assurance (QA) reviews per DON policy. Document/schedule NMC services and non-clinical activities in the FFSP management information system. Assist Supervisor with case management protocols and identifying service gaps. Draft required case management letters.
• Installation Family Advocacy Program (FAP) (40%)
  • Clinical SME: Serve as FAP clinical subject matter expert (SME), consulting leadership, medical professionals, and commands on needs assessments, interventions, and evidence-based treatments.
  • Case Management & Triage: Provide ongoing case management. Triage clients, comply with mandated reporting for child/domestic abuse, conduct risk/lethality assessments, develop safety plans, and follow up on abuse allegations.
  • Crisis Intervention: Identify crisis situations (suicide/homicide risk, abuse danger) and provide immediate crisis intervention and safety planning IAW mental health best practices.
  • Treatment & Assessment: Provide non-medical treatment/intervention for family maltreatment. Provide diagnostic impressions to commanders, child protective services, law enforcement, and legal personnel. Facilitate evidence-based group programs (offender, parenting, victim support).
  • Coordination & Review: Consult FAP Supervisor on complex cases. Coordinate with Victim Advocates. Treat identified abusers while remaining cognizant of further abuse risk. Refer clients to military/civilian providers. Present case info, risks, and progress at Clinical Case Staff Meetings (CCSMs).
  • Incident Determination & Compliance: Notify the Family Advocacy Representative (FAR) for High-Risk response. Coordinate with FAR to present abuse allegation info to the Incident Determination Committee (IDC). Comply with SOPs, desk guidance, and FFSP certification standards. Maintain case records and statistics.
  • Education & Training: Coordinate FAP training/education for military families on family violence. Conduct briefs/workshops for clinical staff, base security, NCIS, and commands. Recommend curricula modifications.
  • On-Call & Legal Duties: Provide after-hours on-call services for emergent family advocacy situations (abuse, suicide risk). Draft case management letters. May require testifying in legal proceedings. May serve as primary/alternate FAR.
• Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY) (10%)
  • Reporting & Assessment: Receive reports of PSB-CY; take action per FAP requirements. Provide/coordinate clinical services (psychoeducational support, assessment, intervention) for children, youth, and families.
  • Case Management: Serve as primary FAP POC for PSB-CY cases, ensuring DoD/Navy and civilian reporting compliance. Coordinate safety/supervision planning with healthcare providers. Provide at-risk/safety info for coordinated community response (CCR).
  • Review & Education: Present case reviews at PSB-CY MDT and CCSMs. Provide FAP training on PSB-CY continuum, indicators, and impact. Promote public awareness, prevention, and early identification. Coordinate tailored, trauma-informed assessments/plans with military and community services.
• Community Liaison (10%)
  • Liaison & Collaboration: Liaison with government and military agencies to enhance FAP prevention/response. Represent Navy at meetings, educating on domestic violence and coordinating services.
  • Reporting & Education: Provide meeting summaries to Supervisor/Director; recommend collaborations to reduce duplication. Educate agencies on Navy FAP, risk assessment, and IDC/CCSM processes.
  • Admin: Maintain complete records/statistics. Collaborate on developing case management protocols and improving processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Meet Tier II qualification requirements described in SECNAVINST 1754.8, “Credentials Review and Clinical Privileging of Clinical Providers within Department of the Navy Family Readiness Program.”
• Obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for Secret security clearance, including a background investigation and credit check.
• Regular contact with children under the age of 18, requiring a favorable determination of suitability and periodic re-verification check of multiple agency records.
• Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel approximately 10% of the time.
• Valid, state-issued driver’s license.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, to accommodate client needs.
• Routine on-site access to government facilities; may perform tasks at an off-site location for situational telework only.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in domestic violence or child abuse.
• Knowledge of the specific demands of the military lifestyle, such as frequent separations and high-stress environments, preferred.
• Ability to present sensitive, sometimes controversial, information clearly and concisely to groups.
• Knowledge of dynamics and diagnostic skills necessary for family violence identification, risk assessment, and safety planning.
• Ability to effectively interview and clinically respond to client needs, including assessing suicide, homicide, and substance abuse risks.
• Ability to communicate in writing to develop case management documentation, safety plans, psycho-social assessments, treatment plans, correspondence, and reports.
• Proficiency with personal computers and software programs to develop multi-media presentations and facilitate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing in English with all levels of management, staff, community agencies, military personnel, and their families.

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.
• Current and valid state clinical license permitting independent practice as a health practitioner, fully meeting Tier II or Tier III SECNAVINST 1754.8 requirements.
• Maintain current continuing education credits/units to uphold licensure.

Additional Information

This position is designated as a Drug-Free Federal Workplace under Executive Order 12564. The use of illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service. Non-U.S. citizens with fewer than three years of recent residential history in the U.S. may be determined ineligible for employment. Selectees may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required.

In accordance with the Real ID Act of 2005, candidates or new hires requiring access to a military installation must present either one Acceptable Credential (List A) or a combination of Source Identity Documents (one from List B and one from List C) to establish identity. For details, refer to Base Access Form.