Functional Family Therapist

VQ; Plymouth (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth and their families through evidence-based therapeutic services. This role involves providing high-quality support, developing personalized treatment plans, and engaging families in a collaborative process. Ideal candidates will possess strong clinical skills and cultural competence, working within a multidisciplinary team to foster positive outcomes. With a commitment to community service and professional standards, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of families in need. If you are passionate about helping others and have the qualifications to excel, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field and one year of relevant experience required.
• Licensure in counseling preferred for clinical service provision.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based therapeutic services to at-risk youth and families.
• Develop personalized treatment plans using Functional Family Therapy techniques.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Writing Skills

Professional Development

Teamwork

Computer Skills

Education

Master’s Degree in Psychology

Master’s Degree in Social Work

Licensure in Counseling

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Google Drive

Job description

VQ is a national comprehensive child, youth and family services organization committed to providing successful and effective services while adhering to the highest professional standards.

VQ operates around the nation, providing care services such as residential programming, community-based services, and in-home services for children and their families. We work with state and federal governments to go where the need is greatest and give back to communities that need our services the most. Regardless of the circumstances and background that a child comes from, we believe they deserve an opportunity for a good life.

The FFT will provide high-quality, evidence-based therapeutic services to at-risk youth and their families, focusing on improving family functioning and overall well-being. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical skills, cultural competence, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to help families achieve sustainable, positive outcomes. This position reports directly to the Program Director for administrative supervision and to the on-site VisionQuest FFT Supervisor (post externship) for clinical supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Carry a caseload of 10-12 cases based on program needs.
• Conduct pre-assessment evaluations of referred families for FFT program appropriateness.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand family dynamics, individual behaviors, and relational patterns.
• Develop and implement personalized treatment plans using Functional Family Therapy (FFT) techniques and community resources to resolve family conflicts, enhance communication, and promote positive behavioral changes.
• Utilize the Functional Family Therapy Model to motivate families to change positively by uncovering and developing their unique strengths.
• Ensure that assigned families are engaged and participate in FFT sessions.
• Document all services provided in the FFT Clinical Service System (CSS) and in VisionQuest records and logs.
• Maintain regular contact with referring agency representatives, communicating significant information regarding the youth and family.
• Complete written reports for VisionQuest related courts and referring agencies as assigned.
• Provide direct intervention during crisis situations affecting youth and/or family.
• Complete discharge and aftercare planning for all assigned youth and families.
• Maintain availability for contact via regular and cell phone to ensure effective communication regarding youth and families.
• Maintain security and confidentiality of all youth information, including records.
• Administer and adhere to all Company policies and procedures and state regulations for staff, youth, and families.
• Attend staff meetings and training related to administrative and treatment matters.
• Assist with after-hours on-call responsibilities if applicable.
• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor(s).

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills with ability to listen actively.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to produce comprehensive narrative reports.
• Commitment to professional development and proactive research.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Google Drive) with the ability to learn new software.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or a related field.
• One (1) year of related work experience as a Functional Family Therapist.
• Licensure in one of the following is preferred: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Master Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists.
• Must be licensed to provide clinical services in the state where the care provider is located.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Cleared background checks from appropriate entities, including Child Abuse and Neglect and FBI criminal background.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires flexibility in hours to meet family availability including early mornings, late evenings, and/or weekends.
• Travel is required.
• May lift and carry up to 10 pounds frequently, up to 20 pounds occasionally, and up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Performs tasks that may involve standing or walking 50% of the day; sitting 50% of the day.
• May bend, stoop, reach and grasp as necessary.