Family Counselor (MST)

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.

For more information, please visit youthvillages.org

Program Overview

Youth Villages provides intensive in-home services for youth ages 12 to 17 through Multisystemic Therapy (MST®), an evidence-based therapeutic model designed to support adjudicated youth—adolescents who are involved in or at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system—and their families.

MST focuses on the multiple systems that influence a young person’s behavior, including their family, peer group, school, and community. Family Counselors work directly with the youth and caregivers in the home, school, and community settings and are available 24/7 to provide therapeutic and crisis support.

The primary goal of MST is to equip caregivers with effective tools to manage challenging behaviors, reduce the risk of out-of-home placement, and promote lasting positive change. Specific objectives include improving school attendance and academic performance, decreasing substance use, enhancing prosocial connections, and strengthening family functioning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The MST Family Counselor

Carries a caseload of 4 to 5 families

Holds individual and family sessions with each family 3 times a week, scheduled at the convenience of the families

Conducts multi-systemic therapy (MST) assessments that include identifying and engaging key participants, identifying systemic strengths and weaknesses, and developing an analysis of the fit of problem behaviors within the ecological context

Engages primary caregivers and other key participants in active change-oriented treatment by identifying/overcoming barriers and maintains alignment while receiving services

• Provides direct clinical treatment using methods compatible with MST principles and practices
• Provides on-call crisis support to the youth and family (schedules vary by location)
• Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development and quarterly booster training sessions to enhance clinical skills
• Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information

• Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.
• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.
• Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.

Salary

$52,000 - $60,000 based on education and clinical license

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a social services discipline (preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline (required)
• Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)
• One year of related experience in counseling and/or case management (required)
• Experience working with youth or families in need of crisis intervention (preferred)
• Clinical experience (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
• Youth Villages Benefits
• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
• 401(k)

Time Off

• 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
• 12 paid sick days per year
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
• Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
• Growth & development through continuous training

Clinical and Administrative Advancement Opportunities

*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults.

We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds.

Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.