Functional Family Therapist

The Functional Family Therapist (FFT) will provide high-quality, evidence-based therapeutic services to at-risk youth and their families, focusing on improving family functioning and overall well-being. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical skills, cultural competence, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to help families achieve sustainable, positive outcomes. This position reports directly to the Program Director for administrative supervision and to the on-site VisionQuest FFT Supervisor (post externship) for clinical supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• FFT Service Delivery:
• • Carry a caseload of 10-12 cases based on program needs. 
  • Conduct pre-assessment evaluations of referred families for FFT program appropriateness.
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand family dynamics, individual behaviors, and relational patterns.
  • Conduct thorough assessments, developing and implementing personalized treatment plans, and using Functional Family Therapy (FFT) techniques and community resources to resolve family conflicts, enhance communication, and promote positive behavioral changes. 
  • Utilizes the Functional Family Therapy Model to motivate families to change in a positive way by uncovering and developing the unique strengths of the family to enhance the families’ self-respect, while providing specific ways to improve.
  • Understands the individual strengths and needs of youth and families on their caseload.
  • Ensures that assigned families are engaged and participate in FFT sessions.

• Case Management 
• • Documents in the FFT Clinical Service System (CSS) and in VisionQuest records and logs, all services provided, including all contacts with placing agency, family and individual sessions, group sessions, and significant progress and/or problems.
  • Completes regular phone and face-to-face contacts with referring agency representatives (e.g., case managers, probation officers, etc.) communicating significant information regarding the youth and family.
  • Completes written reports for VisionQuest related courts and referring agencies as assigned.  
  • Provides required information for entry into the Youth Management Information System.
  • Provides direct intervention during crisis situations affecting youth and/or family.
  • Ensures that individualized case planning reinforces the strengths of each youth and family and coordinates efforts to help youth and family eliminate problematic behaviors.
  • Completes discharge and aftercare planning for all assigned youth and families.
  • Maintains availability for contact via regular and cell phone to ensure effective and expedient communication regarding youth and families. 
  • Maintains security and confidentiality of all youth information, including records.
  • Administers and adheres to all Company policies and procedures and state regulations for staff, youth, and families.

• Operational Support and Engagement:
• • Attends staff meetings and training related to administrative and treatment matters, including but not limited to, weekly team treatment meetings, administrative supervision and clinical supervision.
  • Attend all departmental and program meetings to ensure that up-to-date information is received and/or information of policy changes or practice are adhered to.
  • Assist with after hours on call responsibilities if applicable. 
  • Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor(s). 

SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with ability to listen actively. 
• Excellent writing skills including the ability to produce comprehensive narrative reports.
• Commitment to professional development and proactive research. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Google Drive) with the ability to learn new software.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or a related field or;
• Minimum of MA or MS in human services area (psychology, social work, etc.).
• One (1) year(s ) related work experience as an Functional Family Therapist. 
• Licensure in one of the following is preferred: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor,  Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Master Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists.
• Ability to meet professional standards, licensure/certification and/or contract requirements.
• Must be licensed to provide clinical services in the state where the care provider is located.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Flexible schedule (evening, weekends, holidays) to facilitate program services.
• Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, including Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI criminal background.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires flexibility in hours to meet family availability including early mornings, late evenings and/or weekends working within the various locations.
• Travel is required.
• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50%of the day.
• May bend, stoop, reach and grasp as necessary.