Cayuga Centers is an accredited non-profit, human services agency dedicated to family support and preservation, trauma-informed care, and serving vulnerable populations with the most unique needs. Founded in 1852 in Auburn, NY, we have a long history of delivering high-quality and innovative services to individuals, children, youth and families. We have 22 offices across 8 states and serve over 17,000 individuals and families annually. Join us!

At Cayuga Centers, we embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We do this by taking a firm stance against hatred, inequality, bias, and injustice. We do this by providing our staff with the training, coaching, and resources necessary to grow and serve with cultural humility, acceptance, and understanding. We are responsive to the diverse needs of those we serve and staff, and are committed to ensuring that everyone feels respected, valued, and a sense of belonging.

Cayuga Centers is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee, prospective employee, or applicant based on race, color, creed, hair style/texture, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

About the Program and Community Counselor (FFT Therapist) Position:

Cayuga Centers is the longest-standing provider of Functional Family Therapy (FFT) in the United States, proudly leading the way since becoming New York State’s first accredited FFT provider in 2000.

Our FFT program serves youth ages 11-18 and their families. This family-focused therapy operates on the belief that all families have strengths and are doing the best they can at any point. With FFT, the entire family unit works together to prevent out-of-home placement, intervene on behalf of family rebuilding, and unify the family unit. Families work together through three FFT phases of engagement: motivation, behavior change, and generalization with our licensed clinicians over 12-16 weeks.

How you get to use your skills as a Community Counselor (FFT Therapist)…

Apply and develop your clinical assessment, evaluation, and family mental health therapy skills.
Utilize a strengths-based and trauma-informed mental health practice to help children, youth, and families identify their strengths and needs.
Provide therapeutic case management.
Learn an internationally utilized evidence-based mental health treatment model.
Demonstrate an inclusive practice both in the office and in the field to support a diverse and accepting culture.
Contribute to a multidisciplinary team that shares your passion for children and families.

Required Experience of a Community Counselor (FFT Therapist):

Masters degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, or Mental Health Counseling with experience in strength-based family and children’s services.
- License or Limited Permit preferred
Experience working with children and families in a community-based or "in-home" setting
Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills
A strong belief in the capacity of people to grow and change
Possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed to appreciate and encourage diversity and understand the concept of cultural trauma as it applies to individual and family functioning
Knowledge and experience in formulating clinical mental health diagnoses and/or impressions
Ability to engage families who may have been unsuccessful in mental health clinic settings
Ability to have flexibility in hours worked both routinely, to meet children and families when they are available, and occasionally, in response to crises which may occur at any hour of any day

Physical Requirements of a Community Counselor (FFT Therapist):

Use of a personal vehicle for driving to and from appointments and activities as assigned.
Word processing: Including responding to emails, and completing computerized documentation.
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Walking distances.
Walking up and down stairs inside/outside.
Lifting up to 50 pounds

Schedule of a Community Counselor (FFT Therapist):

We are looking for an applicant who is willing to work a flexible schedule that suits the youth and family needs. This is a full-time, 40-hour-a-week position that will require evening and possibly weekend hours.

Why Cayuga Centers?

Certified Great Place to Work ®
Silver Recipient 2024 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation
Council on Accreditation (COA) Accredited
Implement best practices and evidence-based interventions
Committed to employee professional development and advancement
We embrace change, innovation and opportunities
Our diverse workforce acts and leads with human sensitivity and respect
Large and growing national footprint

Benefits for a Community Counselor (FFT Therapist):

120 hours Vacation
10 Holidays, 3 Personal Days, Medical Appointment Time
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Pet and Legal insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Supplemental life insurance, critical illness, enhanced short-term disability benefits
401(k) match up to 6%
Corporate Discounts Program
Sick Leave Pool
Identity Protection

Apply now

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