Clinician, Functional Family Therapist

Functional Family Therapy Child Welfare Clinician

The Functional Family Therapy Child Welfare (FFT-CW) Clinician is responsible for providing FFT services to children and families involved in the child welfare system. This evidence-based practice will be conducted in the family's home setting. The goals of this short-term intervention are to improve family functioning, improve communication, reduce conflict, decrease problem behaviors, reduce hospitalization, reduce out of home placements and delinquency, improve parenting skills, and increase effective problem-solving skills. The Clinician must have the ability to internalize, work within the FFT philosophy, and model as well as being able to adapt and individualize program intervention to utilize family strengths and skills. The Clinician must be eligible and maintain a certification as a Functional Family Therapist Clinician. Training and certification will be provided during the first year of employment. The Clinician will support recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaboration. The Clinician will utilize this evidence-based practice, always embracing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

Responsibilities:

• Provision of direct clinical services to approximately 8-9 families each month which may include, but are not limited to outreach, assessment and treatment planning, weekly family therapy, crisis counseling and intervention, and community consultation and education.
• Coordinate treatment with other community agencies and service providers and participate in meetings as needed.
• Participate in program development, training programs and/or meetings as designated by Program Coordinator.
• Maintain up-to-date and complete case records, including documentation, and provide written reports and statistics as required.
• Complete the required number of client contacts per month.
• Follow the established agency policies and procedures and meet all guidelines set forth by the Department of Social Services contract.
• Provide 24-hour telephonic crisis intervention services on a rotating basis.
• Due to the nature of the program, must have the ability to be flexible with working hours.
• Maintain appropriate professional standards.
• Other designated or related duties.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of the common challenges associated with mental health conditions.
• Knowledge of the common challenges associated with child welfare involved families.
• Understanding of the impact of culture on mental health practices.
• Familiarity with and ability to effectively use an Electronic Health Record system.
• Strong Crisis intervention skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Complete all FFT trainings and maintain FFT certification.
• Complete documentation accurately and in a timely manner, as per regulatory bodies.
• Complete required number of contacts per month.

Requirements:

• Must have a Master's Degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling or a related field.
• Must be eligible for certification as functional family therapist and complete training within the 12-months post hire.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to work successfully with a wide range of people.
• Must be able to work hours that facilitate meetings with families after school hours.
• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Must have a valid Driver's License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
• Strong computer knowledge: typing, communication tools, scheduling tools and web browsers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems.
• Fluency in English (Reading, Writing, Speaking).
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Special Considerations :

• Hours per week, reporting structure, and location are subject to change per program needs.
• This is a mobile position requiring field work.
• Must be available to meet with families during after school hours.

Mandated Reporter: This is a Mandated Reporter position. The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a "custodian" under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter. You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report.

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.