Job Title : Licensed Behavioral Health Practitioner
Department : 29I Health Facility
Position Summary
As a Residential Social Worker (Licensed Behavioral Health Practitioner), you will assist young people ages 12-18 and their families through counseling, education, and support. In this role, you will collaborate with a team of professionals to set treatment goals, conduct comprehensive assessments, and provide individual, family, and group therapy. You will also address substance use issues, support mental health needs, and provide case management services with a focus on permanency. Additional responsibilities include preparing reports, attending court hearings, linking youth and families with community resources, and ensuring that all services meet professional, legal, and agency standards.
Department
New Directions Youth & Family Services' 29I Health Facility provides comprehensive, integrated behavioral health services for children and adolescents. By offering assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions, our team helps youth and families build the skills they need to succeed in life and transition toward permanency.
Agency
New Directions Youth & Family Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.
Benefits
New Directions offers a competitive benefits package to support our employees :
- 3 weeks of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays
- Medical, dental, and life insurance
- 401k with up to 3% agency match
- Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Agency-provided cell phone and laptop computer
- Primarily Monday - Friday schedule (9 : 00 AM - 5 : 00 PM) with some flexibility
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement
- Join a company where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years
Compensation
$53,147 - $57,133 per year in the first year, based on degree and experience. Additional raises guaranteed.
Hours / Schedule
Full-Time, primarily Monday - Friday, 9 : 00 AM - 5 : 00 PM, with flexibility as needed.
Professional Development Opportunities
Licensed Behavioral Health Practitioners receive ongoing professional development through in-service trainings, supervision, and access to advanced learning opportunities. Staff maintain and enhance expertise in trauma-informed care, permanency planning, and evidence-based interventions.
Position Specific Duties / Responsibilities
Establish individualized, client- and family-centered treatment goals in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary teamConduct comprehensive assessments including risk, trauma, developmental, mental health, and substance use needsProvide therapy services : individual, family, group, trauma-informed, and substance use counselingDeliver psychiatric supports, psychoeducation, and wellness educationPromote skill-building and connect youth and families with community resourcesProvide case management services with a focus on permanency and transitionsPrepare reports, petitions, and attend family court as requiredScreen adoptive resources, complete home studies, and participate in permanency resource events (e.g., Heart Gallery, Family Finding)Facilitate youth referrals to agencies or providers and provide aftercare supportEngage youth and families in permanency planning, including safety plans, transition planning, and Lifebook creationCollaborate with county, courts, schools, and permanency programs as a liaison and ambassador for the agencyParticipate in multi-disciplinary team meetings, CSEs, and permanency round tablesMaintain compliance with OCFS, DSS, Family Court, and CSE guidelines and documentation standardsProvide crisis support and partner with families to strengthen engagement and consistent family timeAttend mandatory in-service training, supervision, and additional trainings as neededPerform other duties as assigned by supervisorKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong clinical skills in assessment, therapy, and treatment planningExperience with youth and families in residential and / or foster care settingsKnowledge of permanency planning, family systems, and trauma-informed interventionsExcellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skillsAbility to engage and support families through crisis and long-term planningAbility to adapt to change and function effectively in a team environmentKnowledge of relevant community resources and referral systemsQualifications
Required : LCSW, LMFT, LMHC (or LMHC-P), Licensed Psychoanalyst, LMSW (under supervision), or PsychiatristPreferred : Experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy to adolescents and families; experience with crisis intervention and substance use treatmentLMSW or LMHC candidates may be considered with the stipulation that licensure must be obtained within 90 days of hireCompletion of all required background checks and trainings :NYS SCR, SOR, DCJS fingerprinting, SEL, OMIG Medicaid Exclusion
Mandated reporter trainingCompliance with NYSED and OCFS guidanceValid driver's license, adequate auto insurance, and compliance with agency driving policyAbility to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 2 classification)Compliance with agency safety standards and healthy work environment practicesCommitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable human service organization to apply.