Bi-Lingual TeenTalk Counselor

Position Description:

The Bilingual TeenTalk Counselor is responsible for providing confidential counseling and support to students and families in the assigned community of Stamford CT. S/he/They will support and collaborate with existing Here 2 Help student support services and SPS staff by helping to identify at risk youths/families and develop appropriate actions for early assessment and intervention. This is a Full-Time, 10 month position focusing on Middle School Youth.

Responsibilities:

Counseling/Care Coordination for youth and families of SPS

• Conduct needs assessments and deliver counseling services in response to the psycho-social needs of students and families.
• Collaborate with Here 2 Help Collaborative to manage referrals, case conferences and program management.
• Respond to crisis referrals from Here 2 Help Collaborative and school attendance teams.
• Conduct home/community visits with families.
• Participate in LEAP Home Visiting Training.
• Work collaboratively with school staff and advocate for students/ families within the school community.
• Conduct other assessments, including McKinney Vento screenings, drug / alcohol use and high-risk behaviors
• Complete referrals for school services and outside resources.
• Help develop Standard Operating Procedures for addressing family needs.
• Complete and maintain confidential client records.
• Enhance awareness of after-hours support services available through Kids in Crisis.
• Participate in Kids In Crisis on call coverage.
• Other duties as assigned.

Participation in meetings / committees / groups

• Participate in community meetings such as Here 2 Help team meetings, school attendance meetings.
• Participate in Professional Development activities as needed.
• Network with community agencies.
• Represent KIC at community meetings periodically

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of issues affecting youth including substance use.
• Knowledge of community resources available to youth and their families.
• Familiarity with abuse and neglect identification and reporting procedures
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with school age youth and their families.
• Ability to facilitate individual, family, and group sessions.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with school administration, staff, community organizations and individuals.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to flex schedule since after traditional work hours and some weekends are required.
• Spanish Fluency (bilingual and biliterate).

Education/Experience

• Master's degree required from an accredited college or university in a Human Services Field with preference for Social Work, Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Preferred: Minimum of two (2) years counseling experience, including crisis intervention, with school age youth, or equivalent combination of experience and training