What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counselor - Community Youth Response Service position at JFCS of the Suncoast?
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others? At JFCS of the Suncoast, we are more than just an organization—we are a community driven by compassion, purpose, and a commitment to uplift those in need.
As one of the area’s leading mental health and human services agencies, we empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and stability. Rooted in the Jewish tradition of helping all people, our services are offered on a non-denominational basis, ensuring everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.
At JFCS, we seek mission-driven and empathetic team members who are ready to bring their passion and skills to a supportive, purpose-driven team. Whether you’re providing direct client support or working behind the scenes, your work will have a lasting impact.
If you’re ready to join us on this inspiring journey, we can’t wait to welcome you to JFCS of the Suncoast!
The CYRS Counselor (Master's Level) 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. The position addresses a range of challenges, including suicidal ideation (with no immediate intent), aggression, maladaptive coping behaviors (e.g., self-harm), excessive emotional distress, repetitive flight risks, binge eating, and substance use.
Benefits:
- Retirement: 403(b) plan with matching contributions.
- Insurance: Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Time Off: Generous PTO starting at 15 days per year and 17-18 paid holidays annually, including federal and Jewish holidays.
- Work-Life Balance: Early closures on Fridays at 3:30 PM and a 37.5-hour work week.
- Well-Being: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Student Loan Forgiveness Eligibility:
JFCS of the Suncoast is a qualifying employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Employees with eligible federal student loans may be able to have their remaining balance forgiven after meeting program requirements. For more information go to Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct rapid risk assessments to determine if a child is in imminent danger and requires a higher level of care to ensure safety.
- Evaluate for current or recent suicidal thoughts, including assessing for means, intent, or plans if the individual responds affirmatively to screening questions.
- Provide in-home or community-based counseling sessions for clients and families, accommodating their schedules.
- Respond to incoming calls and referrals within 120 minutes, triaging as needed for escalation to the Sarasota Mobile Response Team (MRT).
- Address non-emergent calls within 48 hours.
- Identify and evaluate coping mechanisms, including skills the individual has used successfully in the past, to help stabilize crises.
- Develop and implement therapeutic action plans based on clinical needs; conduct weekly sessions to monitor progress.
- Create and maintain safety plans tailored to clients’ specific risks and presenting issues while fostering client strengths as protective factors.
- Provide referrals and coordinate with community resources for clients and families, including warm handoffs to providers.
- Conduct follow-ups for six months post-discharge at 30-day intervals.
- Complete required assessment tools and progress notes promptly and in compliance with agency and funding source standards.
- Meet agency productivity requirements set by the supervisor.
- Demonstrate cultural competency, sensitivity to the service population, and an understanding of socio-economic issues.
- Education: Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.
- Licensure: LMHC or LCSW or registered intern preferred
- Experience: At least 2 years in behavioral health counseling and crisis intervention preferred.
- Other: Valid Florida driver’s license, availability to respond outside regular hours, and ability to pass a criminal background check.
- Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Proficiency in identifying and addressing the needs of abused and neglected children, child development, life span development, and family dynamics.
- Experience working with resistant individuals and families.
- Familiarity with evidence-based practices, including substance abuse treatment, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other evidence-based modalities.
- Strong clinical documentation skills, with experience using electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Professional demeanor with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Commitment to professional development in areas such as domestic violence, trauma, substance abuse, and vulnerable populations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
