Counselor (Master's Level) - Community Youth Response Service

About the role

The CYRS Counselor provides time-limited, in-home prevention and intervention counseling for youth ages 9-17 and their families. This role supports and stabilizes clients who lack immediate access to mental health services, addressing challenges including suicidal ideation (with no immediate intent), aggression, maladaptive coping behaviors, excessive emotional distress, repetitive flight risks, binge eating and substance use.

Responsibilities: • Conduct rapid risk assessments to determine whether a child is in imminent danger and requires a higher level of care • Provide in-home or community-based counseling sessions for clients and families • Respond to incoming calls and referrals within 120 minutes, triaging for escalation to the Sarasota Mobile Response Team; address non-emergent calls within 48 hours • Develop and implement therapeutic action plans and safety plans; conduct weekly sessions to monitor progress • Coordinate referrals and warm handoffs with community resources; conduct six months of post-discharge follow-ups at 30-day intervals

Requirements

• Master's degree in psychology, social work or a related field
• LMHC or LCSW or registered intern preferred
• At least 2+ years in behavioral health counseling and crisis intervention preferred
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Focused CBT
• Valid Florida driver's license and ability to pass a criminal background check; bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Benefits:
• 403(b) with matching, health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, PTO starting at 15 days plus 17-18 paid holidays including federal and Jewish holidays, EAP, 37.5-hour work week and early Friday closures. JFCS is a qualifying employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.