Critical Time Intervention (CTI) Counselor

ABOUT JFS

For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.

OUR VALUES

Be a Mensch: We are ethical, kind, and admirable. We assume good intent and act with integrity. We are thoughtful and deliberative in how we support our clients, each other, and the community. “Choose generosity over judgment—every time”

Be Purpose-Built: We create spaces and programs that respect clients’ individuality and opens access. We strive to meet the individual where they’re at and give them the tools to be successful

Be Resolute: We work with tenacity to identify problems, seek out solutions, and get things done. Even small steps forward are acts of resilience.

SUMMARY

The Critical Time Intervention Supportive Counselor is responsible for providing intensive, short-term support to individuals in critical transitions, such as moving from a hospital, shelter, or incarceration into the community. The CTI Supportive Counselor reports to the CTI Manager and will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, including CTI case managers, peers, and other support staff. The counselor will work closely with clients to address emotional, social, and psychological needs while supporting the overall goals of successful community reintegration. This role involves building trusting relationships, fostering coping strategies, and connecting clients with appropriate resources.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Conduct thorough assessments of clients’ emotional, psychological, and social needs at the beginning of the transition process.
• Provide individualized support to clients based on their unique challenges, including developing coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and adjustment to community living.
• Monitor clients' progress and adjust support plans as necessary throughout the intervention period.
• Provide immediate emotional support during crises, including de-escalating situations and offering practical problem-solving strategies.
• Assist clients in managing emotional distress during the critical transition period, focusing on stabilization and enhancing emotional well-being.
• Offer counseling services to help clients address underlying psychological issues that may affect their transition.
• Complete necessary documentation for legal, health, and social service purposes, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA).
• Help clients access community-based resources, such as housing, healthcare, employment, social services, and mental health treatment.
• Advocate for clients by helping them navigate social service systems, including helping with paperwork, attending meetings, and ensuring they receive the services they need.
• Support clients in developing life skills, such as budgeting, time management, and communication, that are necessary for successful community integration.
• Empower clients to make decisions regarding their own care, fostering independence and self-sufficiency.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients regarding mental health, substance use, coping mechanisms, and self-care.
• Work closely with the CTI team (nurses, case managers, social workers, and other healthcare providers) to ensure that each client’s needs are being met.
• Participate in regular team meetings to discuss client progress, challenges, and strategies for continued support.
• Communicate regularly with other professionals involved in the client’s care to ensure a coordinated, team-based approach.
• Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment for clients and for the team.
• Accurately document all interactions with clients and all efforts made towards client engagement. Submit all progress notes within 48 hours of the client encounter.
• Effectively utilize electronic systems including electronic documentation and reporting systems.
• Provide education to other members of the Care Coordination Division and other JFS departments on Critical Time Intervention services.
• Attend agency and department in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other agency related activities as required.

QUALIFICATIONSEducation and Experience:

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Mental Health Counselor, (LMHC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
• Applicant must have active New York State licensure.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of post-master’s experience in working with clients who have mental health, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Experience with the CTI model or similar time-limited interventions is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust with clients.
• Ability to provide emotional support, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention in high-stress situations.
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, and housing systems, as well as community-based resources.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Exhibited ability to effectively work within an inclusive and culturally and linguistically diverse environment.
• Ability to assess client needs and develop individualized care plans
• Familiarity with case management software and documentation systems
• Strong internet research and computer skills, especially with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web-based health information systems.
• Bilingual skills desirable. English speaking and writing fluency required.

Competencies:

• Judgment and Decision Making - Considers relative pros and cons of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Time Management – Uses time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done efficiently and effectively.
• Communication Intelligence - Listens to others, able to communicate issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences and overcome resistance; fosters open communication and manages emotion in positive ways
• Adaptability & Flexibility - Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities
• Client Focus - Understands and meets customer needs, whether internal or external, providing a high level of service and cooperation courteousness & sensitivity)
• Initiative & Adaptability - Deals with situations and issues proactively and persistently, personal willingness and ability to respond to change and ability to meet deadlines.

Expectation Based on Agency Values:

• Must possess a complete commitment to, and understanding of, Jewish Family Service’s Mission & Vision.
• Cultural Responsiveness – Ensure staff and programming treat each individual with respect - we honor staff and clients and meet them where they are with regard for their unique wants and needs. (Anava)
• Partnership – Ensure staff and programs develop and maintain partnerships to support health and well-being and recognize its role in helping individuals and families achieve meaningful and lasting change. (Chevrutah)
• Trust - Work with integrity and be accountable and responsive to others to build a foundation of trust. (Eimun)
• Person Centered Care – Believe in and show through daily practice the dignity and inherent worth of every individual at every stage of life and work to address their needs as a whole person. (B’Tselem Elohim)

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Will work in the office and in the community; able to travel outside the office to various sites to attend meetings and provide support services.
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle, possess a valid, clean driver’s license and be sufficiently self-insured with liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300k.
• Flexible hours including days and some evenings and/or weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical activities and efforts required working in an office environment.
• Visual acuity sufficient to maintain system of files and reports containing computer-generated and handwritten documents.
• Auditory acuity sufficient to communicate with staff, clients, and others by phone and in person.
• Mobility sufficient to conduct regular duties within a normal office environment and community.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Competitive salary of $58,000 to $63,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) of 4+ weeks.
• 401k retirement plan with agency contribution of 4%.
• 13+ observed holidays annually.
• Reduced full-time work week of 35 hours and early close on Fridays.

The above pay range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Jewish Family Services of Western New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.