Counseling Solutions was formed in 1974 to meet the growing mental health needs of the Greater New Orleans area. Counseling Solutions has provided critical counseling services to the most vulnerable, giving access to diverse populations in need of counseling support. The Child and Family Therapist will provide counseling services in Covington and/or Slidell, as needed. The Child and Family Therapist will be trained in Evidence Based Practices (EBPs). The therapist will work with both children and their parents/guardians.

The Child and Family Therapist will follow best practices, adhere to ethical and legal mandates, receive training in EBPs and ensure adherence to fidelity of the service models delivered. The therapist is expected to maintain necessary client records, maintain confidentiality and work closely with the Program Director to exceed contractual compliance. She/He will receive weekly supervision from the Program Director and is expected to have specialized knowledge of the principles of Child and Family counseling and the evidenced based principles of standardized treatment. She/He will carry a caseload of a minimum of 25 clients per week. Clients will potentially have complex histories and/or intervention needs. The Child and Family Therapist will be considered a mental health expert within Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) and may be called upon to consult with other programs within the broader agency. Lastly, the Child and Family Therapist may need to represent CCANO at events and in times of crisis, provide mental health support to CCANO staff. This requires proven interpersonal, oral and written communications skills.

Directly Reports To: The Program Director Supervises: N/A

Duties/Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

• Utilize appropriate assessment tools to identify client needs.
• Provide direct counseling and referral services, advocate for services, do appropriate research when necessary.
• Manage the service plan.
• Conduct individual and group psycho-educational classes for parents/guardians.
• On an on-going basis, consult with supervisor, school personnel, and parents regarding the overall scope and direction of the child's needs and progress.
• Monitor behavior improvement and maintain progress reporting.
• Prepare and maintain agency required records on each client.
• Support the Program Director in writing reports as required by the grant or contract.
• Develop professional skills through meaningful supervision, in-service training and continuing education seminars.
• Work closely with the Program Director and peers to develop and refine policies and procedures as appropriate to fulfill ethical, legal and grant requirements.
• Work cooperatively to maintain a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) culture reviewing data and making adjustments as needed to ensure positive outcomes.
• All duties as assigned by The Program Director.
• If licensed, obtain the necessary Continuing Education Units of credit to ensure your license remains in good standing.
• Provide mental health support to staff during a crisis situation.
• Consult with other CCANO programs as a mental health expert.

• Required Qualifications:

  • Master's in social work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, or other relevant behavioral science in which clinical experience is a program requirement from an accredited institution required;
  • Minimum of two years of postgraduate direct service delivery and experience working with children and families strongly preferred.
  • Valid State Board Licensure in Louisiana preferred.
  • Maintain certification of a Registered Play Therapist or willing to obtain certification.
  • Ability to work with a culturally diverse population and sensitivity to the special needs of multi-cultural children, adults, and families.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and attentiveness to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for a fast-paced and high-volume environment.
  • Good knowledge of relevant community resources.
  • Must have a valid driver's license, insurance, a clean driving record, and personal transportation. Position may require local and long-distance travel and the ability to travel with limited notice.
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills