Counselor - Community Counseling

Counselor - Community Counseling

Apply for the Counselor - Community Counseling role at Youth and Family Advocates (YFA) in Polk County.

Founded in 1970, YFA is dedicated to serving children and families in crisis across the state of Florida. Our team of 350+ professionals works in partnership with communities to provide a full range of services that encourage healing, restoration, and success.

Responsible for counseling individuals, groups, and community youth and their families using advanced techniques through individual, group, and family therapy. Work under direct supervision of the Program Director and a licensed clinician. Employees are expected to incorporate trauma‑informed principles into all aspects of service delivery.

• Conduct assessments, prepare treatment plans and psycho‑social evaluations to meet clinical contract and regulatory compliance goals.
• Provide counseling and support services to youth, assisting them in completing their education and developing appropriate pro‑social behaviors.
• Determine eligibility, complete intake, assessment, evaluation, referral, transportation, monitor school attendance, and provide case management.
• Conduct group counseling sessions and schedule client sessions at convenient locations.
• Maintain regular contact with individuals who have information about or an interest in specific clients.
• Stay in communication with assigned schools regarding truancy/ungovernable referrals.
• Meet assigned productivity requirements to comply with contract deliverables.
• Complete documentation related to counseling services—contact notes, assessments, testing, screening, intake forms, interview notes, correspondence, and statistics.
• Advocate for clients through the Truancy Arbitration process and initiate CINS/FINS petitions to the court.
• Represent YFA and/or the child in court proceedings.
• Stay up to date on laws, DCF, DJJ, and other agency guidelines related to eligibility, counseling services, and required actions.
• Complete client follow‑ups according to established guidelines.
• Participate in meetings and work sessions related to service provision, including programmatic supervision, individual supervision, and inter‑program supervision.
• Provide input on program and service enhancements; contribute to the design or redesign of programs.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings.
• Complete all required training.
• Perform other tasks as assigned to ensure clients receive necessary services and administrative tasks are completed.
• Foster a safe and welcoming environment for youth, families, and colleagues, ensuring emotional and physical security without re‑traumatization.
• Follow a trauma‑informed approach, demonstrating sensitivity to individuals’ needs and experiences.
• Practice self‑care and seek support as needed to prevent burnout while providing trauma‑informed care.
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures.
• Uphold the core values and mission statement of YFA.

• Master’s degree in social work, mental health, psychology, or a related human services degree and 0‑3 years post‑master’s clinical/counseling experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of trauma‑informed principles and practices, including creating a safe environment, fostering trust, promoting collaboration, and empowering individuals.
• Ability to manage personal reactions to traumatic stories and environments and communicate a sense of trust and safety.

• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to maintain working relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Facilitation of large/small groups and navigation of varied group dynamics.
• Cooperative teamwork and readiness to receive guidance from supervisors.
• Timely and accurate documentation of services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites.
• Active active listening and provision of safe space for individuals to express themselves without judgment.

• 13 Days of PTO, increasing annually.
• 13 Paid Holidays.
• 5 Days of Parental Leave.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care).
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability.
• Su…