Counselor I

#nowhiring

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Counselor I who wants to make an impact in the lives of children and families.

Purpose & Impact:

The Counselor I assists in the provision of services to families by providing individual and family counseling, case management services to include but are not limited to referrals, follow-up, advocacy, etc. If assigned to a residential facility, this is a direct care position.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in the provision of individual, group, and family counseling to youth and their families within the home and communities of the clients.
• Provide crisis intervention counseling to families in crisis, as assigned.
• Assist in the completion of comprehensive assessments of families in crisis.
• Perform case management duties and is accessible ”on call” to assigned clients on a 24-hour basis.
• Provide direct support to client families in implementing their case plan through constructive, active participation in family life.
• Teach and assist parents in meeting the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their children.
• Maintain an active caseload as assigned.
• Assist in the coordination of other community-based services to advocate the needs of clients on the caseload.
• Assist in the provision of appropriate referrals for clients and assist in linkage to those referrals as necessary.
• Maintain professional communications and teamwork as appropriate contacts occur with the referral agency.
• Serve as advocate for family preservation/unity.
• Assist in the provision of follow-up monitoring and services to families on closed case status.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision sessions, and inter-agency staffing on clients as required.
• Compile required reports on families in caseload and submit to supervisor in a timely manner, including progress notes, reports to appropriate agencies and courts as the needs dictate.
• Adhere to professional standards and ethics.
• Serves as a referral liaison by presenting agency services to schools and community agencies and organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while conducting counseling sessions, completing documentation, and participating in meetings.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds for activities such as setting up group sessions or transporting materials.
• Adequate vision and hearing to observe client behavior and respond effectively during sessions.
• Manual dexterity for operating computers, phones, and other office equipment.
• Capacity to travel locally to attend home visits, community outreach events, or off-site meetings as needed.
• Ability to maintain energy and focus during high-stress or emotionally intense situations.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in human services, and other requirements as may be required by the grant source.

Experience:

One or more years’ experience working with troubled youth and their families.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Good written and verbal communication, time management, organizational and interpersonal leadership skills.
• Ability to function in a team setting and professionally serve a diverse multi-cultural client population.
• Dependability, discretion, and good judgement are essential.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and the general public.
• Must be able to function in the community without the presence of direct supervision.
• Must be able to maintain high level of professional responsibility in reporting activities, conduct and schedule to supervisor.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Haitian Creole preferred.
• Possess a valid Florida driver’s license and be able to use own vehicle to perform job duties in emergencies.
• Must be able to work long flexible hours.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Reports to Clinical Director.
• Team player with co-workers, administrators, and school personnel.
• Innovative delivery of counseling services and referrals.
• Provision of accurate case records.
• Adherence to Agency policies and procedures.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.  

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• • Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements.  For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.