Job Description

Mental Health Specialist for Minor Victims of Trafficking

Organizational Profile:  S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. is a leading youth, family, and community development organization with a specialized focus on preventing and intervening in youth, gang, and gun violence. Our mission is to foster safety and cultivate a sense of community belonging among youth and families throughout Long Island and its neighboring regions. We achieve this by offering constructive alternatives to high-risk behaviors for young people and empowering families, residents, and stakeholders to champion socially responsible initiatives within their communities.

Program Description: Our intervention program is dedicated to equipping juveniles navigating the intersection of human trafficking and street life with the education, skills, and support necessary for sustainable life transformation. Our comprehensive program encompasses mental health services for both youth and their families, personalized case management, mentorship opportunities, hands-on experiential learning, and peer support and advocacy initiatives.

Position Description: A compassionate and dedicated mental health specialist to join our team in providing trauma-informed mental health services to minor victims of trafficking. The specialist will support survivors' healing and recovery, helping them overcome trauma and rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.

All staff are expected to represent S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. professionally, act in a manner consistent with the mission and values of S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc., and help realize the organization’s mission.

Responsibilities:

Provide Individual and Group Therapy:

• Conduct trauma-informed assessments to identify the unique needs and goals of minor victims of trafficking.
• Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans tailored to the needs of each client.
• Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions using trauma-focused modalities to address issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and complex trauma.
• Foster a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences and emotions.

Conduct Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning:

• Provide crisis intervention and support to clients experiencing acute distress or safety concerns.
• Collaborate with the clinical team to develop safety plans and coordinate appropriate interventions to address immediate risk factors.

Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Team:

• Work collaboratively with case managers, advocates, and other multidisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated and holistic care for clients.
• Participate in case conferences, treatment planning meetings, and other team meetings to discuss client progress and coordinate services.

Provide Psychoeducation and Skill-Building

• Offer psychoeducation to clients and their caregivers about the impact of trauma and the healing process.
• Teach coping skills, emotion regulation techniques, and other practical strategies to help clients manage symptoms and build resilience.

Maintain Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries, in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines governing mental health practice.

Education, Licenses and/or Certifications Required:

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field required.
• Current licensure as a therapist (e.g., LPC, LCSW, LMFT).

Minimum Experience and Skills Required:

• BILINGUAL IN SPANISH required
• Experience providing trauma-focused therapy to adolescents and adult family members, preferably survivors of trafficking or other forms of trauma.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed principles, evidence-based treatment modalities, and cultural competence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build therapeutic relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to the empowerment and well-being of minor victims of trafficking, with a passion for social justice and advocacy.

Working Conditions:

• The position involves working with youth and families in crisis or facing challenging situations, requiring sensitivity and flexibility.
• Travel within the community to meet with families, attend meetings, and access resources is required.
• Evening or weekend hours may be necessary to accommodate the schedules of families or participate in community events.

The position is guaranteed through Dec. 31, 2024.

Salary: Commensurate with educational and professional experience.

$45-$50/hr for 14-21 hours a week.

Benefits:

• Sick leave, 10 paid holidays, birthday
• 401(k) program
• Hybrid work

Program Location: Western Suffolk County, New York

Days & Hours: Part-time. The position entails dealing with youth and families in crisis, so the candidate must have a flexible schedule. The hours are mainly late morning into evening, with weekends as needed.

Patient demographics: Adolescents and families

STRONG Youth, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We consider all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status

• Women-led organization

• Inclusive of minority and disadvantaged groups or disability status.

STRONG Youth, Inc. is committed to the safety and well-being of our clients and staff. As such, all employees must undergo background checks and adhere to strict ethical and professional standards.

All qualified applicants, please send resume to HR@strongyouth.com

Include in the subject line STRONG Youth – HT MHS

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