Functional Family Therapy; FFT Therapist

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Therapist

The Queens Community Justice Center (QCJC) operates an array of programming for local youth, with a focus on engaging those with justice involvement. Programs include Youth Impact (peer-led restorative youth diversion), an alternative-to-detention program, an alternative-to-incarceration program, workforce development initiatives, a trauma-informed, survivor-centered program for youth at risk of commercial sexual exploitation, and several mentorship programs. QCJC aims to stop the cycle of delinquency and crime for adolescents and reduce reliance on detention, providing leadership development and service opportunities to participating youth.

QCJC is seeking to hire a Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Therapist for a community-based violence prevention program designed to reduce violent recidivism through intensive, voluntary therapeutic services. The FFT Therapist reports to the FFT Supervisor and works as part of the Atlas initiative, using the evidence-based Functional Family Therapy model to engage youths and their families in holistic anti-violence services. FFT is typically delivered in home or community settings (not remote) and aims to connect high-risk youths to a change process that builds hope and strengthens relationships.

• Provide home-based Functional Family Therapy (FFT) in alignment with model fidelity, delivering services in homes, the office, or community settings (not remotely)
• Engage clients through creativity and persistence to build strong therapeutic relationships
• Work collaboratively with families from a strengths-based perspective to empower growth and change
• Advocate for youth and families, demonstrating belief in each individual’s capacity to grow
• Maintain cultural sensitivity and provide a welcoming environment for diverse backgrounds
• Empower families to develop problem-solving skills; meet families where they are, prioritizing in-home sessions when possible
• Engage with referral sources (e.g., Legal Aid Society, NYC Law Department, schools) to introduce families to the FFT model
• Participate in community events with team members to foster local connections and support
• Manage a caseload of up to 12 cases, maintaining electronic and physical files with accurate, timely documentation
• Record progress notes promptly in the CSS system to meet FFT reporting requirements
• Collaborate with the therapy team through weekly meetings and supervision
• Facilitate access to services and resources for families, addressing clinical needs and practical supports
• Travel to client homes as required to deliver therapy and support
• Participate in all FFT training, supervision, and consultation activities to maintain fidelity
• Other tasks as necessary

• A Master’s degree in social work, counseling, education, or other relevant human service profession
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred
• Preference given to Queens residents

• Experience providing individual and family therapy using cognitive behavioral techniques with a commitment to evidence-based practices
• Direct work with at-risk youth, particularly within Black and Latino communities (ages 13–18) focused on justice prevention and family-centered care
• Comfort and experience conducting in-home therapy sessions in urban Queens settings
• Flexibility to meet client needs, including evenings and weekends

• Position Type:
  Full-time (evening and weekend hours as required)
• Location:
  
  Queens, NY
• Compensation: $70,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits:
  Comprehensive healthcare with a national network, basic dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA options, mental health support services, and 403(b) with employer contribution

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We encourage applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with prior contact with the criminal justice system.

We are unable to sponsor employment visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment. All hires must verify identity and eligibility to work as required by federal law.