Youth and Family Counselor Specialist

The Youth and Family Counseling Specialist receives referrals for School and Community Youth Services (SCYS) mental health services for the City of Rockville and provides mental health counseling to local students and their families two to three days per week within elementary schools and potentially middle schools.

The clients served are those who identify as uninsured, under-insured, or those who have barriers to accessing therapy. The applicant’s main priority is working with interconnected entities such as the schools (school counselors, teachers, etc), DHHS (Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services), families, outside organizations, and community partners in order to provide excellent mental health services to children/students in need. The Therapist manly conduct individual sessions, family therapy sessions can also be held as appropriate. 

Within this role, the Therapist will also be responsible for creating, leading, and implementing group therapy or psychoeducational groups related to relevant topics for the students and school dynamics.  

In addition to providing mental health services, the Therapist will also perform administrative functions related to conducting assessments, tracking client goals and progress, managing their caseload, completing reports, developing groups and programs, outreach, and other duties as specified by their Supervisor, the Community Services Manager. 

This is a temporary contract position (~30hours/week), which could potentially become a permanent part-time or full-time position, pending funding availability.

The therapist will be able to make their own schedule as it relates to seeing clients, though it must fall within school time hours. 

• Screens and coordinates all SCYS referrals from their specific Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) on behalf of students in need of mental health counseling.
• Communicates with various entities related to student’s care (parents/family, teachers, counselors, etc) 
• Adheres to all the professional guidelines as it relates to ethics, confidentiality, mandated reporting, etc. 
• Responsible for tracking or assessing the ongoing availability of local mental health care providers in Montgomery County that can serve those who are ineligible for services (including those insured privately & through Medical Assistance) or clients should their caseload become full 
• Makes referrals to various public or private agencies for therapy as well as other needed social services (case management, food access, clothing, etc.) 
• Maintains good working relationships with other City staff, school personnel, private and nonprofit organizations, County partners, and more
• Creates and submits monthly and quarterly reports detailing outreach and marketing activities.
• Collaborates with other existing Community Services Division (CSD) programs to support program coordinators in providing things like psychoeducation, therapeutic recreation, and groups to the students receiving services.

The applicant must have a Master’s degree and be a Maryland licensed counselor, psychologist, social worker, or closely related field from an accredited university.

• Must have the appropriate Maryland State License in the field (minimum LMSW or LGPC*)
  1. * Outside Clinical Supervision will need to be obtained*
• Must successfully clear a CPS fingerprinting background check
• Must possess a driver’s license

Desired Qualifications/Skills: 

• There is a high desire for someone who is bilingual in English and Spanish (additional funding may be available) 
• Experience working in schools or with Montgomery County DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services)
• 2-3 years of experience working in therapeutic settings, schools, and/or community-based services

Required

• Knowledge of social and economic problems facing youths and families and the ways these problems affect both the families and individuals.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of adolescent psychology.
• Knowledge of the principles of prevention, intervention, and treatment of substance abuse.
• Knowledge of community organization techniques and individual and group dynamics.
• Knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as trauma-informed care.
• Ability to present thoughts both verbally and in writing and to perform administrative duties such as maintaining necessary records, conducting assessments and completing reports.

Preferred, but not required 

• Knowledge of the operation of a wide variety of government aid, welfare, health, and recreation resources and programs.
• Ability to acquire and apply good working knowledge of relevant laws and practices.
• Ability to build and foster relationships with existing and new community partners and stakeholders.

Salary : $30 - $45