Family Counselor

Holy Family Institute; McKees Rocks (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading social service organization in McKees Rocks is seeking a Family Counselor to support families in need through counseling and community-based services. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or a related field, and 2-3 years of experience in social services, particularly with children and families. This full-time role requires strong communication skills, a valid driver's license, and the ability to advocate for families within the court system. A commitment to social justice is essential.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years’ experience in Social Services working with children and families preferred.
• Must have a valid PA driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to obtain Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.

Responsibilities

• Provides intervention and support for families referred by Allegheny County Children and Youth Services.
• Develops goal-based services to families.
• Documents all progress of services provided.
• Maintains positive relationships with families and staff.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Basic counseling skills

Case management skills

Ability to engage clients

Advocacy for families

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Human Services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Office 365

Job description

Reports to: Director of In-Home Services

Location: McKees Rocks office, frequent travel within the community to meet clients

Hours: Full-time, exempt - Monday-Friday

HFI Mission Duties

Holy Family Institute (HFI) is a 125-year-old Catholic organization with an impeccable history of serving children and families in the Pittsburgh Region. We are one of Pittsburgh’s largest social service organizations operating 15 programs in three counties. We are an independent organization guided by Catholic Social Teachings and serving people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Statement of Duties

The Family Counselor provides intervention and support for families referred by Allegheny County Children and Youth Services. The program is designed to be an intervention program that provides case management, counseling, and educational services to families in need to decrease the risk of abuse and neglect of children. CYF and Holy Family staff work collaboratively with the family to enhance safety of children and to decrease risk for out of home placements for the children.

Essential Functions:

• Promotes the Mission and Philosophy of Holy Family Institute.
• Provides assessment of family problem areas, level of risk, and community resources.
• Develops and implements goal-based services to families.
• Provides counseling, family education, and case management services to families.
• Documents all progress of services provided.
• Work cooperatively with CYF and staff members to ensure quality service to each family.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with families and fellow staff.
• Must meet CYF service delivery time frames for proper client discharge.
• Be available to families in the district for crisis situations.
• Develops skills training in working with families and children.
• Maintains knowledge and follows responsibilities mandated by the Child Protective Service Law.
• Attends mandatory trainings.
• Obtains training related to child development, parenting education, family counseling, addiction counseling, case management, mental health issues, personal safety, ethical issues, and crisis intervention.
• Adheres to other supervisory requests.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Human Service field preferred.
• 2-3 years’ experience in Social Services working with children and families preferred.
• Must have a valid PA driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle and appropriate level of insurance to use during work hours and be capable of visiting families in their homes and community settings.
• Ability to obtain Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.

Work Experience Requirements:

• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to engage clients and help families utilizing basic counseling and case management skills.
• Must be able to recognize signs and symptoms of addiction, mental health, and developmental concerns.
• Acts as an advocate for families within the court system.
• Demonstrates ability and knowledge basic computer skills utilizing Microsoft office and Office 365.

Physical Requirements

• Must be capable of visiting families in their homes on a flexible schedule, lift small children, infants and transport families in a car.
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards

COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE

Holy Family Institute and its affiliated organizations are committed to an environment that respects and values every human being and individual differences. We will invest time and resources to create an inclusive environment for all of our stakeholders. This means we will respect diversity that includes race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, disability, and language. We also believe that we should be “Faithful Listeners” and embrace diversity of ideas, perspectives, and values. We believe in providing access, opportunity, fair treatment, and advancement for all people. Believing that “God is Found in Everyday Activities” we will do our best to eliminate barriers that prevent full participation in our programs and services. We believe “Loving Relationships” means that all are welcome, all are neighbors, and there are no exceptions. With this belief we aim to create an environment in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supportive, and valued.

Holy Family Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer