WHO IS YFA?

Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. (YFA) is a progressive not-for-profit organization of 300+ staff who are dedicated to working in partnership with communities and families to create a safe, nurturing environment for children and to lead the way in building a bridge for children to have a stable and loving family. Established in 1970, we are celebrating our 50th Anniversary in operation, with services spanning seven counties across Florida. No matter the role, we believe every team member at YFA has a critical role in supporting our children and our communities and we constantly strive to ensure a positive, purpose-driven, dynamic work environment for you to learn, grow and meet your fullest potential. If these values appeal to you and you would like to invest your time, energy, and talent in a cause that can make a difference in a child and family’s future, then we may have a place for you on our team!

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• 14 Days of PTO, incrementally increasing annually
• 13 Paid holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Immediate eligibility for 403b Savings Plan with match after 12 months
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities
• An opportunity to make the world a better place!

Location: 7522 Plathe Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34653

This position is responsible for counseling individuals, groups and\or problematic youth and their families using advanced techniques through individual, group and family therapy under direct supervision of Program Director.

Specific job responsibilities and goals include but are not limited to:

• Provide counseling and support services to assigned truant clients and their families to assist children in completing their education including determine eligibility, intake, assessment, evaluation, referral, transportation, monitor school attendance and case management.
• Schedules and conducts client visits at a location convenient to the client.
• Schedule and conduct informal and formal contacts with individuals who have information about and/or an interest in specific clients. Maintain contact with visiting teacher to initiate a Truancy Referral from the School Board.
• Complete documentation related to provision of counseling services including contact notes, assessments, testing, screening, intake forms, interview notes, correspondence and statistics.
• Conduct group/family counseling and education sessions.
• Serve as an advocate for clients including staffing cases in the Truancy Arbitration process and initiating CINS/FINS petitions to the court as necessary and represent YFA and/or the child in court.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of laws, DCF, DJJ and other agency guidelines for eligibility, counseling services to be provided and other actions to be taken.
• Complete client follow-up according to established guidelines.
• Handle crisis calls from clients and non-clients.
• Make presentations about YFA, programs and services and related issues.
• Participate in meetings and work sessions related to service provision including programmatic supervision, individual supervision and inter-program supervision.
• Provide input concerning changes/enhancements to programs and services and participate in design/redesign of programs and services as requested.
• Participate in staff meetings.
• Conduct community outreach programs.
• Participate in on-call program, staff meetings and required training’s.
• Organize and conduct recreational activities and field trips for residents under supervision of Program Manager and assisted by Youth Care staff.
• Complete other tasks as assigned or as necessary to ensure that clients receive necessary services and/or ensure that necessary administrative tasks are completed.
• Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or leadership.
• Trained and authorized to access protected health information.

Education & Experience: Masters Degree; 0-3 years post Masters clinical\counseling experience or Bachelors Degree; 4+ years post Bachelors experience directly in human services, preferably in counseling.

Physical Requirements: Ability to travel regionally on a regular basis and statewide as needed; Ability to bend, lift and carry 30 pounds.