STATUS: Non-exempt

LOCATION: Jane’s House

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Children’s Services Program Manager

HOURS: : 40 hours per week, generally Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with a regularly scheduled extended workday on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Participation in the agency’s on-call rotation is required. Additional evening, weekend, or emergency hours may be required.

POSITION SUMMARY:The Children’s Counselor provides trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate counseling and advocacy services to residential and nonresidential children and adolescents impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of interpersonal violence. The position maintains an assigned caseload, provides individual, group, and family counseling, and supports children’s programming and parent education at Jane’s House.

Essential position requirements include but are not limited to:

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related behavioral health discipline from an accredited institution. Current professional license to practice in Mississippi, consistent with assigned clinical duties and applicable supervision requirements. Minimum of two (2) years of related credentialed professional experience.
• Experience working with children and adolescents impacted by trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking preferred.
• Must maintain required professional licensure and complete applicable continuing education requirements.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed counseling practices, and the effects of interpersonal violence on children and families.
• Ability to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental, developmentally appropriate clinical services while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, respond appropriately to crisis situations, and adhere to professional ethical standards and agency policies.
• Must have a reliable vehicle and meet agency driving policy requirements, including a valid driver’s license and proof of required automobile insurance. Local travel is required.
• General physical requirements include, but are not limited to, bending, stooping, climbing stairs, prolonged sitting of more than four (4) hours, and lifting or carrying up to 40 pounds.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Counseling and Clinical Services

• Maintain an assigned caseload and provide services consistently in accordance with client needs and program expectations.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling to children and adolescents impacted by interpersonal violence.
• Conduct developmentally appropriate clinical assessments to identify emotional, behavioral, developmental, and trauma-related needs.
• Develop individualized treatment plans and review client progress within established agency timeframes.
• Utilize trauma-informed, evidence-informed therapeutic interventions appropriate to each client’s needs and developmental level.
• Adjust therapeutic interventions as clinically indicated and coordinate appropriate referrals or transitions in care.
• Provide crisis intervention and respond appropriately to safety concerns, including suspected abuse or neglect, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
• Communicate significant clinical concerns, safety issues, and barriers to service delivery to the immediate supervisor in a timely manner.

Children’s Programming and Family Support

• Facilitate weekly therapeutic groups for children enrolled in the agency’s preschool program.
• Conduct weekly new parent orientation sessions for newly admitted shelter parents.
• Provide psychoeducation and support to parents and caregivers regarding childhood trauma, emotional regulation, and developmentally appropriate parenting strategies.
• Collaborate with shelter staff to address the emotional, behavioral, developmental, and safety needs of children residing at Jane’s House.
• Assist with childcare services as needed, ensuring appropriate supervision and safety practices.

Case Coordination and Collaboration

• Collaborate with agency staff, schools, healthcare providers, and community partners to coordinate services and referrals for children and families.
• Attend and participate in weekly clinical staffing and Jane’s House resident staffing meetings.
• Provide clinical consultation and recommendations to agency staff regarding children’s trauma-related needs.
• Provide client transportation to approved community appointments and destinations as needed.
• Develop and maintain referral relationships and participate in community education and outreach activities as assigned.
• Provide guidance and oversight to assigned interns, as applicable.

Agency Compliance

• Maintain comprehensive, accurate, timely, and organized client records utilizing the agency’s automated data and case management system.
• Adhere to the agency’s confidentiality policies, maintaining a high-level standard of confidentiality.
• Compile and accurately report all applicable program statistics on time and as directed.
• Report any known or suspected child abuse to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
• Report any suspicious activity or persons to the immediate supervisor or 911.
• Attend and participate in agency staff meetings and trainings.
• Report to work on time as scheduled
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and proof of required automobile insurance.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and follow agency ethical standards when providing services to clients.
• Perform other duties or special projects as assigned by the supervisor or CEO.

Other Duties

• Participate in hurricane evacuation and facility preparation as needed.
• During emergencies and extreme circumstances, may be required to assist with 24-hour shelter coverage.
• Work collaboratively with other agency programs and staff to ensure effective communication regarding agency and client needs, concerns, recommendations, and services.