About Distinction LLC

Distinction, LLC is a Mississippi-based business that oversees operation of the St. Louis Job Corps Center. We are
looking for qualified applicants who are enthusiastic, energetic, and purpose-driven.

Working with at-promise youth on a Job Corps Center is both rewarding and fulfilling. We offer competitive pay and a positive work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth and development.

About the role

The Licensed Social Worker plays a vital role in the Student Support Services team at the St. Louis Job Corps Center. Job Corps is the nation’s largest free residential career training and education program for economically disadvantaged young adults ages 16–24. This position provides comprehensive mental health, social, emotional, and personal development support to help students overcome barriers, succeed in academic and career technical training, and transition successfully to employment, further education, or independent living.

The Licensed Social Worker delivers direct services, crisis intervention, case management, and consultation while promoting a safe, supportive residential environment.

What you'll do

• Provide individual and group counseling to address personal, social, emotional, and behavioral barriers that may impact students’ progress in Job Corps (e.g., homesickness, trauma, relationships, abuse, substance use, mental health concerns, family issues, and adjustment to residential life).

• Conduct initial and ongoing psychosocial assessments, including risk assessments for suicide, self-harm, or safety concerns.

• Develop and implement individualized support plans in collaboration with students, counselors, residential advisors, and other center staff.

• Offer crisis intervention and de-escalation support 24/7 on-call rotation as required.

• Facilitate group support sessions on topics such as life skills, coping strategies, cultural adjustment, parenting, healthy relationships, and conflict resolution.

• Serve as a liaison with community resources, social service agencies, mental health providers, and families to coordinate external support and referrals.

• Consult with and train center staff (counselors, residential advisors, instructors, and health services) on mental health awareness, trauma-informed care, and student support strategies.

• Document all services in accordance with Job Corps Policy and Requirements Handbook (PRH), state licensing board standards, and HIPAA/confidentiality requirements.

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, student review boards, and case staffing to support holistic student development.

• Assist with unauthorized absence (UA) retrieval efforts and re-entry support for students.

• Promote a positive center culture that emphasizes respect, diversity, inclusion, and personal accountability.

• Support transitional services for graduating students, including linkages to community mental health resources, housing, and post-center support.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

• Active, unrestricted license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent independent clinical social work license in the state where the center is located (must be able to practice independently without supervision).

• Minimum of 1 year of post-licensure experience providing assessment and treatment services to adolescents and/or young adults (preferred experience with at-risk, diverse, or disadvantaged youth populations).

• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).

• Ability to pass federal background check and drug screening.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally as needed.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a residential, educational, or youth development setting.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and evidence-based practices for young adults.

• Familiarity with the Job Corps program, PRH guidelines, or similar federal youth programs.

• Bilingual skills (highly desirable in many locations).