Family Preservation Counselor

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Location: Ontario County, NY

Earn: $62,353 - $64,500 annually (Based on education)

A temporary position that may become permanent*.

Cayuga Centers is an accredited non‑profit, human services agency dedicated to family support and preservation, trauma‑informed care, and serving vulnerable populations with the most unique needs. Founded in 1852 in Auburn, NY, we have a long history of delivering high‑quality and innovative services to individuals, children, youth and families.

At Cayuga Centers, we embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We do this by taking a firm stance against hatred, inequality, bias, and injustice. We provide our staff with the training, coaching, and resources necessary to grow and serve with cultural humility, acceptance, and understanding.

EEO Statement: Cayuga Centers is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee, prospective employee, or applicant based on race, color, creed, hair style/texture, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

The Family Preservation Program (FPP) serves families that have a child/children at risk of foster care placement or who are in need of intensive therapeutic services. The FPP partners with Ontario County families in their homes for 4–6 weeks and provides therapy 3–5 times a week.

The Family Preservation Counselor’s role is to work with families and individuals within the families to identify parental and youth strengths and to support the family’s efforts to create a stronger family goal to advance a stable and nurturing family environment.

• Utilize research‑based cognitive and behavioral strategies to facilitate behavior change
• Provide home‑based, solution‑focused case management support and/or crisis intervention to individuals and families
• Model and teach basic life skills to empower individuals and families to become self‑sufficient
• Assess safety, structure the environment, and use clinical strategies designed to promote safety
• Become a primary support in helping families to develop preventative and responsive skills to crisis
• Demonstrate an inclusive and accepting practice in the office and the field to support a diverse and accepting culture
• Carry a full caseload of 2–3 families
• Assist individuals and families by referring them to appropriate longer‑term services and supports
• Be ready, willing, and able to assist the families with any and all tasks needed to stabilize them with the intention of modeling and teaching basic life skills to empower individuals and families to become self‑sufficient
• Coordinate and facilitate parent/adolescent groups

• Bachelor’s Degree with applicable experience in the human services field required
• Master’s degree preferred
• Ability and willingness to work with families in an “in‑home” context
• Knowledge of family systems theory and home‑based interventions
• Ability to engage families who may not want the services, or who are mandated
• Valid NYS driver’s license – required

• Use of a personal vehicle for driving to and from appointments and activities as assigned
• Word processing: including responding to emails and completing computerized documentation
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Lifting up to 50 pounds
• Walking distances
• Walking up and down stairs inside/outside as well as inside and outside of homes

• Flexible schedule that suits the youth and family needs. Full‑time, 40‑hour a week; may require evening and possibly weekend hours, on‑call responsibilities included.

• Certified Great Place to Work®
• COA Accredited
• Implement best practices and evidence‑based interventions
• Committed to employee professional development and advancement
• Embrace change, innovation, and opportunities
• Diverse workforce acts and leads with human sensitivity and respect
• Large and growing national footprint

• 120 hours of vacation
• 10 holidays, 3 personal days, medical appointment time
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness‑eligible employer
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Pet and legal insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• FSA, transit, and parking savings accounts
• Supplemental life insurance, critical illness, and enhanced short‑term disability benefits
• 401(k) match up to 4%
• Corporate discounts program
• Sick leave pool
• Identity protection