Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at

THE OPPORTUNITY

Queens Community Justice Center (QCJC) operates an array of programming for local youth, with a particular focus on engaging those with justice involvement. Current initiatives include Youth Impact (peer-led restorative youth diversion program), an alternative-to-detention program, an alternative to incarceration program, workforce development initiatives, a trauma-informed, survivor-centered program for youth who are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation, and several mentorship programs. By offering positive pro-social programming for young people, QCJC aims to stop the cycle of delinquency and crime for adolescents and reduce reliance on detention. The comprehensive programming offers all participating young people leadership development and service opportunities designed to promote positive engagement in their communities.

The Queens Community Justice Center is seeking to hire a Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Therapist for a community-based violence prevention program that aims to reduce violent recidivism through intensive and voluntary therapeutic services. The FFT Therapist will report to the Justice Center’s FFT Supervisor. This program is part of the Atlas initiative and uses the evidence-based Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model to engage young people and their families in holistic anti-violence services.

Atlas works to prevent violence by meeting people during a crisis, like a recent arrest or open court case and connecting them to a change process that nurtures hope and strengthens relationships. As part of Atlas, the Queens Community Justice Center is offering FFT to young people at elevated risk for violence in the community, victimization, or a re-arrest. FFT is an evidence-based intervention for youth and families. This high-quality, strength-focused family counseling model is designed for high-risk youth and young adults who have been referred by the criminal court, juvenile justice, mental health, school, or child welfare systems. Services are short-term and typically offered in the home, though services can be offered in the office or other community settings.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide "home-based" Functional Family Therapy (FFT) in adherence to model fidelity, delivering services directly in homes, the office, or community settings (not remotely);
• Employ creativity and persistence to effectively engage clients, fostering strong therapeutic relationships;
• Work collaboratively with families from a strengths-based approach, empowering them to leverage their resources for growth and change;
• Advocate passionately for youth and families, demonstrating belief in each individual’s capacity to grow and thrive;
• Show cultural sensitivity and adaptability, providing a comfortable environment for diverse backgrounds;
• Commit to empowering families to develop their problem-solving skills, working with them at times and locations that are most accessible for them, primarily in their homes;
• Engage with referral sources (e.g., Legal Aid Society, NYC Law Department, schools, and QCJC programs) to effectively introduce families to the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Model;
• Actively participate in community events alongside team members to foster local connections and support;
• Manage a caseload of up to 12 cases, maintaining both electronic and physical files, ensuring accurate and timely documentation;
• Record progress notes promptly in the CSS system, meeting FFT requirements for external reporting and data tracking;
• Collaborate with the therapy team, participating in weekly team meetings and individual supervision sessions;
• Facilitate access to appropriate services and resources for families, addressing both clinical needs and practical supports;
• Travel to and from client homes as required to deliver therapy and support;
• Participate in all FFT training, supervision, and consultation activities to maintain high standards and model fidelity; and
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in social work, counseling, education, or other relevant human service profession required; and
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.

Preferred Experience: 

• Demonstrated expertise in providing individual and family therapy using cognitive behavioral techniques, with a strong commitment to evidence-based practices;
• Experience working directly with at-risk youth, particularly within Black and Latino communities, ages 13 to 18, focusing on justice prevention and family-centered care;
• Comfort and experience conducting in-home therapy sessions, especially in urban settings in Queens; and
• Flexibility to meet the needs of clients, including availability for evenings and weekends.  

Position Type: Full-time, must be willing to work weekend and evening hours as required.

Position Location: Queens, NY.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $70,000 - $77,300 and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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