Clinical Experience Preferred – Child & Adolescent Counselor
The counselor will be responsible for helping children and adolescents manage and overcome mental, emotional, behavioral, and substance use issues. The counselor will work closely with young clients and, when appropriate, their families to better understand challenges and develop strategies that improve emotional well-being and daily functioning.
The counselor will listen to clients, ask thoughtful questions, and provide therapeutic interventions to help them develop healthy coping strategies. The counselor will provide support, guidance, and monitoring to help track client progress.
The counselor will conduct individual and group counseling sessions for children and adolescents and help connect families with appropriate community resources when necessary.
Counselor Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide individual and group counseling for children and adolescents
- Evaluate clients through conversations, interviews, and observations to determine appropriate assessments or interventions
- Develop age-appropriate treatment plans and goals
- Encourage, support, and listen to clients in a safe and therapeutic environment
- Help children and adolescents express emotions and discuss experiences
- Assist clients in navigating school, family, and social challenges
- Educate clients and families on coping strategies, emotional regulation, and behavioral management
- Provide support during difficult life transitions and developmental challenges
- Refer clients and families to appropriate community or social services when needed
- Assess patient needs and develop strategies to promote emotional and behavioral improvement
- Maintain collaborative relationships with parents, guardians, schools, and community providers
- Support clients dealing with issues such as:
- anxiety
- depression
- behavioral challenges
- family conflict
- trauma
- substance use
- stress
- anger management
- suicidal ideation
Counselor Requirements and Qualifications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills with children, adolescents, families, and community partners
- Compassionate, patient, and supportive approach when working with young clients
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment
- Ability to manage documentation, schedules, and clinical records efficiently
- Calm, professional demeanor with a positive and supportive attitude
- Self-motivated and able to work independently and within a clinical team
- Strong ability to build trusting therapeutic relationships with children and families
- Empathetic with strong mentorship and leadership abilities
Education and Licensure
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
- Master’s degree in Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related field from an accredited program
- Must hold an active state license (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent) or be license-eligible
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40.00 - $60.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Somerset, NJ 08873
