Per-diem Child and Family Counselor

Job Title: Child and Family Counselor (CPST)
Department: Children and Family Treatment and Support Services

Position Summary

The Child and Family Counselor provides in-home and community-based services to Medicaid-enrolled youth ages 0–21 under the Medicaid State Plan Service Community Psychiatric Supports and Treatment (CPST). CPST is a multi-component service that includes therapeutic interventions, counseling, and functional supports. The goal is to assist youth and families in achieving stability, improved daily functioning, recovery, and resilience through trauma-informed and individualized care.

Department

New Directions’ Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) provide individualized, strength-based, and trauma-informed care to children and families, offering in-home and community-based interventions that promote healing, stability, and wellness.

Agency

New Directions 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.

Compensation

• $45.00 per hour for billable service hours
• $15.50 per hour for administrative hours

Hours/Schedule

• Very flexible schedule, however late afternoons, evenings, and/or weekends will be most common. 

Location

Cattaraugus County

Professional Development Opportunities

New Directions invests in developing future leaders through training opportunities, supervision, and continuing education support.

Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Deliver trauma-informed, individualized services based on each child’s identified strengths and needs.
• Administer assessments and support planning consistent with the child’s goals, cultural context, and family priorities.
• Educate youth, families, and supports on strategies and treatment options to enhance functioning.
• Provide individual, family, and relationship-based counseling, supportive counseling, and solution-focused interventions.
• Teach coping and emotional regulation skills to improve functioning in daily life.
• Provide post-crisis management and stabilization support in the home and community.
• Collaborate with community partners, providers, and informal supports as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources for linkage and referral.
• Document all services in the agency’s electronic case recording system, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Medicaid billing standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of all youth and family information.
• Attend required agency and OMH trainings and participate in regular supervision.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with youth, families, staff, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong understanding of behavioral, emotional, and mental health challenges in children and adolescents.
• Ability to deliver crisis intervention and therapeutic support with professionalism and empathy.
• Flexibility and adaptability to client needs and changing schedules.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Valid NYS driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass an annual physical for Category 1 job classification.
• Compliance with agency safety and health standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field plus two years of related experience; OR
• Registered Professional Nurse plus one year of experience; OR
• Master’s degree in a human services field plus one year of related experience.

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.