Mental Health Advocate

The Child and Youth Advocacy Center is seeking to hire a Mental Health Advocate. This position is responsible for providing trauma-focused therapy services for children who have experienced traumatic events and for their non-offending family caregivers. These services include crisis intervention, clinical assessments and trauma-focused treatment. The clinician will provide comprehensive case management services, conduct intake appointments and  coordinate efforts within a team-based approach. In addition, this position will assist in Family Advocacy for clients who have pre-existing mental health services outside of CYAC. These services would include trauma- informed support, completing client intakes, and providing referrals or service coordination.

CYAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CYAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or ability.

Qualifications: Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or other related field OR willingness to obtain within first year of employment. Licensure as an LCSW or LPC is required OR license-eligible with supervision available. Experience working with children of all ages and developmental levels who have experienced trauma (specifically sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, witness to violence and problematic sexual behavior) is preferred. Understanding of trauma-informed practice, family systems, and knowledge of community resources is preferred.

Essential Qualities: Deep commitment to child welfare and trauma-informed car. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. Emotional resilience and strong self-care practices. Cultural sensitivity and awareness Flexibility and willingness to support organizational needs beyond direct client service.

Major Responsibilities

• Provide outpatient therapy using a variety of evidence based/informed treatment modalities (e.g., Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI), Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and expressive therapies, *training will be provided*) for children and non-offending family members to attain stated treatment goals and objectives.
• Participate in team-based outreach process for new referrals to determine initial treatment needs and provide recommendations to caregivers.
• Conduct initial intake sessions utilizing trauma assessment measures to identify symptoms related to trauma, healthy and unhealthy coping skills, challenges that may require outside referrals, caregiver protective factors and determine preliminary DSM 5 diagnoses.
• Provide crisis intervention to assist children who have experienced trauma and
  their non-offending family members as needed for clients on active caseload.
• Provide case management services including: maintenance of electronic health records, online appointment schedule, ongoing contact with caregivers and other professionals, provide court testimony when requested and provide
  referrals to community resources as needed.
• Provide ongoing research, development and implementation of therapeutic
  interventions for children who have experienced trauma and their family
  members.
• Participate in team-based approach with CYAC staff members and Multidisciplinary Team partners.
• Provide Family Advocacy Services for clients not needing mental health
  services at CYAC
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Pay: $41,000-$50,000; depending on experience

Benefits:

•  IRA Matching Program
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Time Off
  • Earned and State Holidays
• Paid Maternity/ Paternity Leave
• Sabbatical Offering

Work Location: Primarily In person- Some Remote Work

What We Offer: Meaningful work that directly impacts children’s lives and healing. Collaborative, supportive work environment. Professional development opportunities. Comprehensive training in evidence-based practices. Opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Francesca Zarcone- francesca@cyacwv.org