Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY HELPS)

Duties Description

The LMHC reports to the Assistant Director for Treatment and provides direct clinical services to youth and their families or caregivers. The DJJOY clinician plays a critical role as a primary member of the youth’s support team. As such, the clinician works to assist the team in understanding youth holistically; conceptualizing those behaviors directly related to the youth’s placement in the context of familial, community, cultural and developmental experiences. The clinician continually assesses and draws upon the strengths and assets of youth and their caregivers to facilitate insight, cognitive, behavioral, emotional and spiritual growth/wellness.

• Serve as an active member of a multidisciplinary team; attend meetings,
  
  

present clinical information and observations, provide consultation and

assistance to staff in other disciplines; coordinate the care and treatment

planning of individuals served by the team.

• Conduct clinical assessments using standardized
  
  

instruments and evaluation protocols; develop person-centered and goal-oriented treatment plans. Where indicated, recommend a higher level of care and complete referrals for specialized services.

• Provide direct mental health counseling and psychotherapy
  
  

to individuals and families. This includes facilitating psychoeducation, substance use treatment, and skills acquisition groups.

• Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention when indicated.
• Document and maintain youth records, including contact notes, treatment plans, assessments, clinical recommendations and collateral contacts, in accordance with state regulations and DJJOY policies.
• Collaborate with other clinical and community staff to develop discharge and aftercare service plans.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Open to the Public: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). The minimum qualifications through the NY HELPS are:

Possession of a license and current registration as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State.

Transfer: One Year of Permanent Competitive or 55 B/C Service in this title or a title eligible for 70.1 Transfer.

Additional Comments

Background Investigation Requirements:

• All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees.
• All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.
• For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.
  
  

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS’s mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.