Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Therapist

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Therapist

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we've worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies: operating programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;

conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn't; and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

The Queens Community Justice Center (QCJC) operates an array of programming for local youth, with a particular focus on engaging those with justice involvement. Current initiatives include Youth Impact (peer-led restorative youth diversion program), an alternative-to-detention program, an alternative to incarceration program, workforce development initiatives, a trauma-informed, survivor-centered program for youth who are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation, and several mentorship programs.

By offering positive pro-social programming for young people, QCJC aims to stop the cycle of delinquency and crime for adolescents and reduce reliance on detention. The comprehensive programming offers all participating young people leadership development and service opportunities designed to promote positive engagement in their communities.

The Queens Community Justice Center is seeking to hire a Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Therapist for a community-based violence prevention program that aims to reduce violent recidivism through intensive and voluntary therapeutic services. The FFT Therapist will report to the Justice Center's FFT Supervisor. This program is part of the Atlas initiative and uses the evidence-based Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model to engage young people and their families in holistic anti-violence services.

Atlas works to prevent violence by meeting people during a crisis, like a recent arrest or open court case and connecting them to a change process that nurtures hope and strengthens relationships. As part of Atlas, the Queens Community Justice Center is offering FFT to young people at elevated risk for violence in the community, victimization, or a re-arrest. FFT is an evidence-based intervention for youth and families.

This high-quality, strength-focused family counseling model is designed for high-risk youth and young adults who have been referred by the criminal court, juvenile justice, mental health, school, or child welfare systems. Services are short-term and typically offered in the home, though services can be offered in the office or other community settings.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide "home-based" Functional Family Therapy (FFT) in adherence to model fidelity, delivering services directly in homes, the office, or community settings (not remotely);
• Employ creativity and persistence to effectively engage clients, fostering strong therapeutic relationships;
• Work collaboratively with families from a strengths-based approach, empowering them to leverage their resources for growth and change;
• Advocate passionately for youth and families, demonstrating belief in each individual's capacity to grow and thrive;
• Show cultural sensitivity and adaptability, providing a comfortable environment for diverse backgrounds;
• Commit to empowering families to develop their problem-solving skills, working with them at times and locations that are most accessible for them, primarily in their homes;
• Engage with referral sources (e.g., Legal Aid Society, NYC Law Department, schools, and QCJC programs) to effectively introduce families to the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Model;
• Actively participate in community events alongside team members to foster local connections and support;
• Manage a caseload of up to 12 cases, maintaining both electronic and physical files, ensuring accurate and timely documentation;
• Record progress notes promptly in the CSS system, meeting FFT requirements for external reporting and data tracking;
• Collaborate with the therapy team, participating in weekly team meetings and individual supervision sessions;
• Facilitate access to appropriate services and resources for families, addressing both clinical needs and practical supports;
• Travel to and from client homes as required to deliver therapy and support;
• Participate in all FFT training, supervision, and consultation activities to maintain high standards and model fidelity; and
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in social work, counseling, education, or other relevant human service profession required;
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred; and
• Preference given to Queens residents.

Preferred Experience :

• Demonstrated expertise in providing individual and family therapy using cognitive behavioral…