Family Counselor_

Queens

Position Title: Family Counselor

Department: Community Services

Reports to: Program Director

Location: Fixed Hybrid, 3 days a week on site/Long Island City, NY

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Evening hours as needed to accommodate working families and Saturdays as needed for community events.

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000

*New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum to midpoint of the salary range posted depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.

Formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), Vibrant Emotional Health’s groundbreaking solutions have delivered high quality services and support, when, where and how people need it for over 50 years. Through our state-of-the-art technology-enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, we are building a society in which emotional wellness can be a reality for everyone.

Position Summary:

The Family Counselor for the Queens Affirming Youth and Family Alliance plays a critical role in ensuring the program is a safe and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families. The Family Counselor is a Licensed mental health professional with demonstrated experience with and commitment to working with LGBTQIA+ youth and their families and has familiarity with best practices in youth engagement, suicide prevention, family support and family counseling, in addition to their unique barriers and stressors.

Qualities:

+ Committed to promoting the mental and emotional well-being of all people.

+ Strong clinical insight.

+ Compassionate, curious, and open-minded.

+ Advocate for LGBTQIA+ communities.

+ Collaborative, team-oriented spirit.

+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Duties/Responsibilities:

+ Complete intakes, screenings, and clinical assessments with LGBTQIA+ youth to identify the unique needs and challenges of each program participant.

+ Provide psychoeducation and other counseling interventions, including AFFIRM Caregiver (an evidence-informed group intervention for LGBTQIA+ caregivers), to LGBTQIA+ youth and their families.

+ Connect LGBTQIA+ youth and their families with community resources and referrals for mental health, medical, and/or substance use services.

+ Provide training and education to community stakeholders to increase awareness and understanding of issues related to LGBTQIA+ youth and best practices for supporting youth.

+ Outreach to local organizations, government agencies, and school districts to identify program participants.

+ Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely documentation in accordance with organizational policies and funder requirements.

+ Stay informed about current research, best practices, and emerging trends in LGBTQIA+ youth mental health through continuing education, professional development activities, and participation in relevant seminars and conferences.

+ Participate and collaborate as a member of the Advisory Council.

+ Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

+ Demonstrated experience with and commitment to working with LGBTQIA+ youth and their families.

+ Familiarity with best practices in youth engagement, youth suicide prevention, family support and family counseling (experience with AFFIRM Caregiver model a plus).

+ Familiarity with validated screening tools, such as PHQ-9, PHQ-A, GAD 7, ACES, and ASQ.

+ Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

+ Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standards in all aspects of the work.

+ Culturally competent and committed to racial equity and social justice.

Required Qualifications:

+ Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related area of study.

+ Licensure in NYS as a LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT.

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

+ Work flexible hours, as required.

+ Bilingual, bicultural and LGBTQIA+ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Physical and Sensory Requirements:

+ Mostly sedentary work; using standard office equipment including: a computer, keyboard, and telephone

+ Ability to work collaboratively with staff, program participants, service providers and other stakeholders

+ Ability to remain calm and composed under stress

+ Ability to respond to telephones and other auditory stimulation

+ Ability to evaluate/interpret information and make independent judgment/decisions

Excellent comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental income insurance, pre-tax transit/parking, pre-tax FSA for medical and dependent care, and 401K available. 4 weeks’ vacation, plum benefits, etc. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who come from a less traditional background. Vibrant will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Vibrant Emotional Health is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, caregiver status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.