Youth Mental Health Counselor

Job Title : Licensed Behavioral Health Practitioner

Department : 29I Health Facility / AOBH

Position Summary

Some people just need someone in their corner—someone to listen, guide, and believe in them. As a Licensed Behavioral Health Practitioner (LBHP), you’ll be that person. You’ll provide counseling and skill-building to help young people heal from trauma, build resilience, and take steps toward a brighter future. Working alongside a supportive team, you’ll make a real impact one conversation, one breakthrough, one moment at a time. If you’re a compassionate, licensed professional who wants to do meaningful work with kids and families, we’d love to have you on our team.

Department

New Directions Youth & Family Services’ 29I Health Facility and AOBH program provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary behavioral health services. LBHPs are an integral part of our clinical team, delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions that support youth and families on their journey to healing and stability.

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, including :

105 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays

Medical, dental, and life insurance coverage

401k with up to 3% agency match

Guaranteed raises

Opportunities for advancement within a 100+ year old agency where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years

Compensation

$53,147 – $57,133 per year (based on education and experience).

Hours / Schedule

Full-Time, Monday–Friday, 9 : 00 AM – 5 : 00 PM (flexible).

Professional Development Opportunities

LBHPs are supported with licensure supervision, ongoing in-service training, and continuing education opportunities. Staff gain expertise in trauma-informed care, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Position Specific Duties / Responsibilities

Establish individualized client and family-centered treatment goals in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team

Complete comprehensive assessments to evaluate trauma, risk, substance use, daily living skills, strengths, and mental health needs

Develop initial Master Treatment Plans and complete six-month reassessments

Provide treatment planning, counseling, and psychiatric supports based on medical necessity for CFTSS services

Deliver individual, family, and group counseling, substance use counseling, trauma-informed treatment, and psychoeducation

Promote skill-building, resilience, and integration with community resources

Utilize evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions to reduce problem behaviors and promote pro-social functioning

Communicate with families, case planning staff, and medical practitioners to coordinate care

Attend mandatory training, supervision, and in-services to maintain professional expertise

Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Clinical Officer

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to provide individual, family, and group psychotherapy

Experience with trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention preferred

Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills (written, verbal, and electronic)

Flexibility and adaptability in a clinical setting

Cultural competence in working with youth, families, and community partners from diverse backgrounds

Ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team

Qualifications

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC or LMHC-P), Licensed Psychoanalyst, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) under supervision of an LCSW or Licensed Psychologist, or Psychiatrist

LMSW or LMHC candidates may be considered with the stipulation that licensure must be obtained within 90 days of appointment

Experience in psychotherapy with adolescents and families preferred

Experience providing services to clients with substance use disorders and / or acute crises preferred

Additional requirements :

Completion of all required background checks (SCR, SOR, DCJS fingerprinting, SEL, OMIG Medicaid Exclusion)

Completion of mandated reporter training

Compliance with NYSED guidance and applicable regulations

Valid driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and compliance with agency driving policy

Ability to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 2 classification)

Compliance with agency safety standards and safe work practices

Commitment 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.