Position Overview

Provides individual, family, and group counseling to youth adjudicated as Children in Need of Services (CINS) and court-ordered into the secure residential program. Conducts assessments, develops treatment plans, and coordinates therapeutic services that promote stabilization, healing, and reintegration. The program operates in compliance with Chapter 984.226, Florida Statutes, Florida Network standards, and COA accreditation, balancing safety, therapeutic care, and staff development to support positive outcomes for youth and families.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of trauma-informed and cognitive-behavioral interventions.
• Understanding of adolescent development, crisis management, and family systems.
• Ability to conduct assessments, maintain documentation, and coordinate care.
• Strong clinical judgment and collaboration skills.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive psychosocial and substance-use assessments upon admission and as clinically indicated.
• Develop and update individualized treatment plans within required timelines and in collaboration with the youth and family.
• Provide individual, family, and group therapy (minimum of 2 sessions per week per client).
• Facilitate psycho-educational and therapeutic groups (minimum of 5 per week) focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, and relapse prevention.
• Meet with clients and families to address presenting concerns identified during intake and throughout treatment.
• Coordinate services and communicate with internal and external providers to ensure continuity of care and address client/family needs.
• Maintain all required clinical documentation, progress notes, and NetMIS entries in accordance with agency policy and licensure standards.
• Participate actively in treatment team meetings, staff meetings, and court reviews to share progress and recommendations.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed, ensuring safety and therapeutic support.
• Collaborate with case management staff on discharge and aftercare planning, including referrals to community resources and follow-up supports.
• Provide life-skills training and relapse-prevention education to promote success after program completion.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing, COA, and clinical best-practice standards.
• Complete all required trainings and ongoing professional development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
Minimum of a master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy. Therapist must be licensed in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy in the State of Florida with at least three years of counseling experience with a similar population. Experience in mental health diagnosing according to the ICD and DSM classification codes.

Mathematical Skills and Reasoning Ability

Basic and/or advanced computational skills may be necessary.

Physical Demands

This is a sedentary position, and the incumbent will be required to sit approximately 70 per cent of the time. Little to moderate lifting of less than 25 lbs. may be required.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.