Brief Strategic Family Therapist at New Directions Youth & Family Services, Inc. – Amherst, New York

Job Title: Brief Strategic Family Therapist (BSFT)
Department: BSFT

Position Summary

The Brief Strategic Family Therapist (BSFT) works within the BSFT Model, an evidence-based approach to delivering preventive interventions for children and families. This role partners with families across Erie County to strengthen relationships, build competence, and foster lasting change. The BSFT Therapist maintains a manageable caseload of 10–12 families, providing services in home and community settings through trauma-informed treatment that is sensitive to the cultural needs of those served.

Department

The Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) program at New Directions Youth & Family Services provides evidence-based, family-centered treatment to improve relationships, reduce problematic behaviors, and empower families to achieve sustainable change.

Agency

New Directions Youth & Family Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Benefits

New Directions takes pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees:

• Medical, dental, and life insurance

• 401k with up to 3% agency match

• 105 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays

• Flexible scheduling, with some evenings required

• Opportunities for professional development and advancement

• A supportive agency culture where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years

Compensation

$58,458 – $59,865.33 annually
Offers based on education and years of relevant experience

Hours/Schedule

Full-Time, flexible schedule with evening and occasional weekend hours.

Professional Development Opportunities

We invest in our employees through training, certification, and ongoing supervision. Staff receive training and maintain certification in the Brief Strategic Family Therapy model. Additional training opportunities include Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), First Aid/CPR, and other continuing education programs.

Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities

Casework & Engagement

• Maintain a caseload of 10–12 families and provide weekly in-person services

• Conduct safety assessments during every home visit

• Partner with families to identify strengths, challenges, and develop treatment strategies

• Implement and reinforce change strategies that support family competence

• Build a therapeutic alliance with each family member and the family as a unit

BSFT Training & Model Fidelity

• Complete training and maintain certification in the Brief Strategic Family Therapy model

• Participate in BSFT supervision, including video review of sessions

• Travel as necessary for training requirements

Collaboration

• Work closely with BSFT team members for case coverage and consultation

• Participate in team meetings and collaborate with community partners

• Link youth and families with formal and informal community supports

• Communicate regularly with county case managers (Erie and Niagara)

Documentation

• Maintain timely and accurate case records in Netsmart myEvolv and CONNECTIONS

• Document all progress notes, assessments, and treatment strategies

• Ensure confidentiality of all client information

Agency Standards

• Participate in supervision, mandatory trainings, and professional development

• Adhere to agency and departmental policies, normative culture, and the NASW Code of Ethics

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed treatment

• Ability to work effectively with youth and families experiencing behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges

• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment

• Ability to collaborate with families, staff, and community partners

• Proficiency in documentation and communication across multiple platforms (written, email, phone, logs)

• Commitment to evidence-based practices and ethical standards

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a human services field specializing in mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, or related field (required)

• License in a mental health field (preferred)

• Valid driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and ability to meet agency driving criteria

• Ability to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 1 classification)

• Compliance with agency safety standards and healthy work environment practices

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable human service organization to apply.