• Looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children & families?
• Seeking professional growth in resiliency-oriented & trauma-informed mental health treatment?
• Is your workplace’s commitment to social justice and a healthy work culture important to you?
• Join DFYF’s team that is inspiring hope, strengthening families, and restoring communities.

Who we are:

Directions for Youth & Families offers community-based mental health and prevention services that utilize a resiliency-oriented and trauma-informed framework. DFYF has provided innovative, culturally sensitive, and successful programming to the Central Ohio community since 1899, through our predecessor Crittenton Family Services. Presently, DFYF’s programs are divided into 3 categories: Treatment, Prevention, and Education. DFYF offers specialized mental health, kindergarten readiness, afterschool and summer programming to meet the diverse needs of our youth and family population. DFYF proudly serves over 5,000 youth, adults, and families each year. All of our programs strive to fulfill our mission to build and inspire hope, healing, and resilience for youth, families, and communities through counseling and education.

Position overview:

Please note: This position requires a candidate to have a valid LSW, LISW, LPC, or LPCC licensure in the State of Ohio. Only applicants with a valid social work or counseling license will be considered.

DFYF is seeking a full-time Licensed Mental Health Assessment Specialist (LSW, LISW, LPC, or LPCC) to engage referred clients with services. The role of the Intake Specialist is to provide intake linkage, diagnostic mental health assessments, and treatment recommendations for youth referred to services. Responsibilities include collaboration with referral sources, key school personnel, and program recruitment. The ideal candidate should possess strong engagement, diagnostic, and organizational skills. The position is community-based, in client homes, schools, office, or community setting.

Our Mission

Build and inspire hope, healing, and resilience for youth, families, and communities through counseling and education.

Our Vision

Building healthy individuals, strong families, and safe communities through innovative treatment and prevention services

Our Values

Quality * Diversity * Accessibility * Acceptance * Collaboration *

Investment in individuals, families, and communities

Experience and Skills:

Position Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Social Work/Counseling preferred or Bachelor’s in Social Work, with LSW
• Valid and current LSW, LISW, LPC or LPCC licensure in the state of Ohio or working toward licensure is mandatory for this position
• Experience working with children and families
• Prior experience working with schools and school personnel
• Excellent communication and engagement skills
• Strong diagnostic assessment skills
• Valid driver’s license and insurance

What makes us great:

• We provide extensive training in trauma-informed care & resiliency-oriented treatment
• We utilize the ARC (Attachment, Regulation, & Competency) trauma treatment framework, which is recognized by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• Licensure & Testing Reimbursement for Counselors & Social Workers
• Free Supervision toward Independent Licensure
• Educational Fee Waivers
• Free CEU’s for Counselors & Social Workers
• Monthly, Quarterly & Longevity Bonuses
• 403(b) Retirement with Employer Contribution
• 9.5 days paid holidays per year paid time off
• Competitive salary and benefits