Job Summary
The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) Crisis Counselor provides trauma-informed clinical support to children and families navigating the aftermath of suspected abuse. This position primarily supports non-offending caregivers during forensic interviews, provides crisis intervention and safety planning, completes clinical and trauma assessments, and provides therapeutic services. The Crisis Counselor works as part of the CAC’s multidisciplinary team to ensure families receive compassionate, coordinated support during an incredibly difficult time.
What is a Children’s Advocacy Center?
A Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) provides a safe, child-friendly environment for children and families when there are concerns of abuse. CACs bring together professionals from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, medical, mental health, and victim advocacy to coordinate the investigation and response while reducing additional trauma for the child and family.
Responsibilities
- Provide immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to non-offending caregivers and guardians during their child’s forensic interview.
- Assess safety and respond to acute mental health concerns, including suicide and risk assessments and emergency intervention when necessary.
- Help caregivers and families develop coping strategies, safety plans, and appropriate next steps following a crisis.
- Complete clinical, trauma, and caregiver assessments, including the Parent Stress Index, Trauma Symptom Checklist, and other applicable screening tools.
- Conduct initial and ongoing clinical assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Provide short-term, trauma-informed therapeutic services to children, caregivers, and families served through the CAC.
- Formulate clinically appropriate and medically necessary diagnoses when applicable.
- Complete progress notes, treatment plans, assessments, and other required clinical documentation accurately and on time.
- Conduct additional risk assessments, inventories, and clinical screenings as appropriate.
- Coordinate with caregivers, providers, schools, law enforcement, child welfare professionals, and other members of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate.
- Connect children and families with community resources and make referrals for additional mental health or supportive services when needed.
- Participate in multidisciplinary collaboration to support coordinated, child- and family-centered services.
- Serve as a clinical resource to CAC staff and multidisciplinary partners regarding trauma, mental health needs, crisis response, and appropriate levels of care.
- Attend court proceedings and provide professional testimony or information when required.
- Maintain applicable professional licensure, credentials, continuing education, and ethical standards.
- Participate in clinical supervision, case consultation, department meetings, required trainings, and agency initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience & Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Clinical Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related behavioral health field required.
- LSW or LPC preferred; LCSW or LCPC strongly preferred.
- CADC or other relevant behavioral health credential is a plus.
- Experience providing direct clinical or mental health services to children, adults, and/or families.
- Knowledge of the DSM and experience utilizing DSM criteria to support clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
- Knowledge of crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and appropriate emergency response.
- Understanding of trauma-informed care and the impact of trauma on children, caregivers, and families.
- Knowledge of child development and typical developmental characteristics across the lifespan.
- Experience conducting clinical assessments and developing individualized treatment plans.
- Experience providing individual, family, and/or group counseling preferred.
- Experience working with children and families impacted by abuse, trauma, or other significant adverse experiences preferred.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and active automobile insurance required.
- Willing to undergo background checks.
- COVID-19 vaccination
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
