Residential Social Worker

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 team

Conduct comprehensive assessments including risk, trauma, developmental, mental health, and substance use needs

Provide therapy services : individual, family, group, trauma-informed, and substance use counseling

Deliver psychiatric supports, psychoeducation, and wellness education

Promote skill-building and connect youth and families with community resources

Provide case management services with a focus on permanency and transitions

Prepare reports, petitions, and attend family court as required

Screen 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 support

Engage youth and families in permanency planning, including safety plans, transition planning, and Lifebook creation

Collaborate with county, courts, schools, and permanency programs as a liaison and ambassador for the agency

Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings, CSEs, and permanency round tables

Maintain compliance with OCFS, DSS, Family Court, and CSE guidelines and documentation standards

Provide crisis support and partner with families to strengthen engagement and consistent family time

Attend mandatory in-service training, supervision, and additional trainings as needed

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong clinical skills in assessment, therapy, and treatment planning

Experience with youth and families in residential and / or foster care settings

Knowledge of permanency planning, family systems, and trauma-informed interventions

Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills

Ability to engage and support families through crisis and long-term planning

Ability to adapt to change and function effectively in a team environment

Knowledge of relevant community resources and referral systems

Qualifications

Required : LCSW, LMFT, LMHC (or LMHC-P), Licensed Psychoanalyst, LMSW (under supervision), or Psychiatrist

Preferred : Experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy to adolescents and families; experience with crisis intervention and substance use treatment

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

Completion of all required background checks and trainings :

NYS SCR, SOR, DCJS fingerprinting, SEL, OMIG Medicaid Exclusion

Mandated reporter training

Compliance with NYSED and OCFS guidance

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 healthy work environment 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.