Youth and Family Counselor

LAYC/MMYC seeks a full time Youth and Family Counselor to provide on-site individual, family, and group counseling services to LAYC/MMYC youth ages 16 to 24 and their families. Engagements include meeting with clients, conducting diagnostic assessments and treatment plans, crisis intervention, and referrals to external resources. The counselor is responsible for maintaining an active caseload averaging 25 clients that verify as low income.

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!

LAYC/MMYC is an organization that makes a difference in our community. We invite you to join our talented staff and become a part of an organization that is known for its commitment to excellence, mission, and respect for youth. We value diversity as a strength, with 85% of our staff identifying as people of color. We prioritize recruiting and supporting staff who have shared life experiences as our youth.

LAYC/MMYC’s mission is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through multicultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths' social, academic, and career needs. To achieve that mission, LAYC/MMYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 5,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behaviors, and guide youth toward successful adulthood. LAYC/MMYC also conducts advocacy and public policy work to broaden opportunities for youth.

LOCATION: Silver Spring, MD

COMPENSATION: $60,000- $64,000

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
• Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
• Ten days paid vacation leave per year, increasing to 20 with tenure, 12 days paid sick leave per year, 12 paid holidays per year
• Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care
• Health club discounts
• One days per week of telework for most positions
• Educational Assistance

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receives and manages counseling referrals and schedules screenings and assessments.
• Conducts assessments for assigned youth, including biopsychosocial and CAFAS assessments
• Conceptualizes and summarizes assessment information in written form (including diagnostic impressions) according to DSM-5-TR;
• Develops Individual Plan of Care (IPC) with the youth. Consults with Clinical Supervisor and obtains required signatures on diagnostic assessments and IPCs within two weeks of initial interview;
• Updates IPCs and Diagnostic assessments as needed, according to treatment plan and goals.
• Conduct virtual or in person sessions with each youth at least twice a month
• Assists the Managing Director in the provision of crisis intervention to other MMYC-Silver Spring participants;
• Makes appropriate referrals as outlined in youth plan of care, making sure that required services are delivered on a timely basis;
• Documents in a timely manner, in youth file and Efforts to Outcomes (ETO), counseling session notes, as well as all contacts with youth, family members, LAYC staff, and representatives from other agencies involved in the provision of services; and maintain client files with all relevant documents.
• Conducts one hour life skills workshops to GED students, as available, for the purpose of recruitment and outreach;
• Prepares quarterly treatment plan reviews to monitor youth client’s progress and submits to the Clinical Supervisor for review.
• Provides guidance and consultation to case managers to support their work in identifying appropriate referral sources for health and/or mental health services;
• Improves professional skills by attending workshops, seminars, and training sessions as allowed by the time and funding constraints.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinical Supervisor/Managing Director.

• Adhere to all LAYC personnel policies

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor’s degree and 5 plus years of community engagement is preferred
• Experience managing a project/contract, including budget management, staff supervision, etc.

• Licensure of at least LGSW/LMSW/LGPC in the state of Maryland. Maryland LCSW, LCSW-C, or LCPC encouraged.
• Two years of experience in the field of youth development/human services;
• Obtain CPR and First Aid certifications

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of local services and resources in the areas of mental health;
• Knowledge in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care;
• Ability to evaluate youth’s emotional, behavioral and social needs and determine the optimal treatment strategies;
• Excellent communication and organizational skills;
• Ability to relate to culturally diverse population;
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings for special events.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
• LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume.