Youth and Family Specialist II

Youth and Family Specialist II

Help us Build a Thriving New England! Ascentria Care Alliance has been transforming underserved communities for over 150 years, providing a wide range of services to children, families, and seniors across five states. Recognized as one of the largest human services nonprofits in New England and one of the top 100 women‑led businesses in Massachusetts, we envision vibrant communities where all individuals have access to resources to support one another to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

• Demonstrate a human‑centered, strength‑based, and trauma‑informed philosophy by treating all clients, families and collaterals in a non‑judgmental and respectful manner while building on their strengths.
• Create a trusting and safe relationship with the client and encourage personal growth of the client.
• Provide ongoing direct therapeutic services including individual sessions, group sessions, and family support as needed.
• Conduct thorough intake and assessment of new clients, develop appropriate treatment plans, medication and safety plans, ongoing progress notes, and refer/discharge clients as appropriate.
• Provide clinical case management working in multiple systems and settings providing services to foster children, foster families, biological families and adults.
• Flexibility to provide services in office setting, in foster homes, virtually, and in community.
• Assist in the education and supervision of youth in group sessions and activities as needed.
• Coordinate with other service providers and assist clinical team in building network and resources.
• Consistently demonstrate discretion and independent judgment with regard to assessing and making decisions around the best interest for children and families.
• Undertake the responsibility of “on‑call” duty as assigned and be responsive to crises independently either by phone or in person, demonstrating a calm and professional approach while assuring safety for all involved.
• Follow HIPAA guidelines as well as mental health federal & state regulations.
• Document all contacts and incidents and ensure that client files are up to date.
• Develop and complete assessments, service plans, treatment plans, progress notes and any other necessary documentation.
• Complete all documentation in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in regular staff and clinical meetings.
• Attend outside workshops and agency trainings as part of professional development activities.
• Provide applicable clinical trainings to staff, foster families, biological families and others as needed per state, including evidence‑based models.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related field.
• NH: 2 yrs clinically supervised experience working with children and families is required.
• MA: 2 years of postgraduate direct service delivery experience and skills assessing and treating at risk children and families and/or expertise with individuals with developmental disabilities and co‑occurring challenges.
• Minimum of LSWA certification or eligibility to obtain certification within six (6) months of date of hire is required.
• URM/DCS:
  Bilingual in Spanish and English with the ability to read, write and communicate verbally in both languages.
• Valid Driver’s License, proof of automobile insurance and positive driving record to transport minors in own vehicle if needed.
• Computer skills, including Word, email competence, and Excel and ability to utilize government and state data tracking software systems.
• Knowledge of treatment modalities and counseling methods.
• Knowledge of and adherence to federal, state, program and agency regulations.
• Ability to work in a multicultural/diverse work environment while exercising tact, discretion and judgment.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment serving clients who are struggling with severe emotional and mental health related disorders.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while working with others and in handling confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and seek out supervision as needed or required.
• Ability to conduct…