Contracted Mental Health Counselor

Job Title: Mental Health Therapist for At-Risk Children in Foster Care

Location: 15833 N US HWY 301, Citra, FL 32113

Job Type: Full-time

Company: Heart of Florida Youth Ranch

About Us:

Heart of Florida Youth Ranch is a leading provider of mental health services dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children in foster care. We are committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based therapy to support the emotional and psychological well-being of children who have experienced trauma and instability in their lives. We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Mental Health Therapist to join our team and make a significant impact in the lives of vulnerable children.

Job Summary:

As a Mental Health Therapist specializing in at-risk children in foster care, you will play a crucial role in providing therapeutic support to children who have faced adversity, neglect, or abuse in their early lives. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to assess, diagnose, and treat the emotional and psychological needs of these children. Your primary goal will be to help them build resilience, improve coping skills, and develop healthier relationships to thrive in their current and future environments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assessment and Diagnosis: Conduct thorough assessments to understand the unique emotional and psychological needs of children in foster care. Formulate accurate diagnoses based on clinical evaluations.

2. Individual Therapy: Provide one-on-one therapy sessions tailored to the specific needs and developmental stages of each child. Implement evidence-based therapeutic modalities to address trauma, attachment issues, and emotional regulation.

3. Group Therapy: Facilitate group therapy sessions to help children build social skills, peer connections, and a sense of belonging.

4. Treatment Planning: Collaborate with the treatment team to develop comprehensive treatment plans for each child, outlining therapeutic goals, intervention strategies, and progress monitoring.

5. Crisis Intervention: Be prepared to respond to crises and emergencies, providing immediate support and intervention as necessary.

6. Parent/Caregiver Education: Educate foster parents and caregivers about the therapeutic process and provide guidance on how to support the child's emotional well-being at home.

7. Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical records, progress notes, and treatment plans in compliance with legal and ethical standards.

8. Collaboration: Collaborate with case managers, social workers, teachers, and other professionals involved in the child's care to ensure a coordinated approach to treatment.

9. Continuing Education: Stay informed about the latest research and best practices in the field of child and adolescent mental health to enhance your therapeutic skills and knowledge.

10. Advocacy: Advocate for the needs and rights of children in foster care within the legal and child welfare systems when necessary.

Qualifications:

- Master's degree in, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field.

- Working towards Licensure

- Experience working with at-risk children, preferably in the foster care system.

- Proficiency in evidence-based therapeutic modalities for children, such as play therapy, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, or attachment-based therapy.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

- Compassion, empathy, and the ability to establish rapport with children and their caregivers.

- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits:

Contracted position and Benefits will be discussed at the time of interview.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of at-risk children and meet the qualifications outlined above, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to

Joshua.Sarmiento @hofyr.org or apply through our website WWW.HOFYR.ORG. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially having you join our dedicated team in providing essential mental health services to vulnerable children in foster care.

Heart of Florida Youth Ranch is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Medical Specialty:

• Addiction Medicine
• Psychiatry

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• After school
• Choose your own hours
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Citra, FL 32113 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Citra, FL 32113: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $35