Brief Strategic Family Therapy® Overview: BSFT® is a trauma sensitive, strength based, culturally competent and evidenced based practice that uses a structured family systems approach for families with children from ages 6 to 17 years old, who display or are at risk for developing problem behaviors, including substance use, conduct issues, and delinquency. BSFT® aims to strengthen parenting, reduce problematic behaviors, and ultimately keep families intact by increasing family bonding, communication, and cohesiveness. This treatment modality focuses on family preservation, and the therapist will utilize philosophy and skills acquired through the BSFT® model to address family systems issues with the goal of maintaining permanency and stability. Families participating in the BSFT® intervention will not receive additional psychotherapy services throughout the duration of their treatment through BSFT®.

The BSFT® Therapist at the YMCA of The Jersey Shore will provide in-home services to a diverse population of 7-12 families at any given time as identified through the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). In-home services will consist of family therapy and individual sessions, as needed. Therapists will help families develop the skills and resources needed to strengthen the family unit and prevent out-of-home placement. The goal is to improve the youth’s behavior problems by improving the circumstances that are directly related to the child’s symptoms. The BSFT® model offers comprehensive coaching and supervision through the agency and model developer.

This position is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

Development of Professional Self:

• Complete the Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT®) training series requirements which includes workshops and weekly supervision.
• Deliver direct services to families while actively participating in training and coaching sessions.
• Record family sessions for use in supervision and training to inform treatment approaches and ensure adherence to the BSFT® model.
• Achieve competency within a year of training and continue to participate in professional development activity as required by the agency and model.

Provide In-Home Support:

• Provide Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT®) treatment, an evidence-based, in-home prevention service to identified DCP&P youth and families.
• Collaborate effectively with all family members, recognizing BSFT®'s approach to treating the family system as a whole.
• Establish and maintain therapeutic rapport with the family while observing household dynamics.
• Work respectfully with families of diverse backgrounds and displays sensitivity to cultural diversity.
• Facilitate weekly client/family sessions in accordance with the BSFT® model. These sessions can be conducted individually or as a familial unit, prioritizing the family’s availability and schedule.
• Seek to change maladaptive family interaction patterns by coaching family communications/behaviors as they occur through: Joining (Engaging and entering family system)
• Restructuring

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Identify barriers to achieving family homeostasis.
• Conduct assessments on an ongoing basis and recommend therapeutic services to family system/client.
• Utilize a weekly diagnostic tool to shift therapeutic goals based on families needs and progress.
• Complete documentation and maintains records congruent with the Brief Strategic Family Therapy model, DCF requirements, and any agency specific required documentation.

Teaming:

• Work with DCP&P staff to assist clients in successfully addressing identified needs and strengthening the family system.
• Advocate for families by making recommendations and linkages to appropriate resources and community referrals, as needed.
• Work effectively as a team member as well as independently in a clinical capacity/self-management.
• Collaborate with the BSFT® consultant or Clinical Supervisor to ensure fidelity and adherence to BSFT® model through supervision, in which recorded family sessions are reviewed for treatment conceptualization.

Flexibility:

• The duties of this position require travel and flexibility in the scheduling of family or individual in-home therapy sessions, or at another location identified or requested by the family. Sessions may be scheduled in the evenings and/or weekends, as required to meet the needs of the family.
• Document activity and interaction between family members during sessions within 2 business days of session.
• Complete program paperwork in a timely manner including end-of-month paperwork, weekly schedules, vehicle log/maintenance (if company vehicle is used), expense forms, and evaluation forms.
• Complete all record keeping according to COA and DCF standards.
• Compile and transmit all required progress reports and termination summaries.
• Attend and participate in weekly clinical supervision. Attend all mandatory training.
• Participate in all DCF and YMCA meetings.
• Maintain a safe driving record.
• Report any abuse/concern of abuse immediately to a live person at DCP&P or police.
• Abide by proper car seat laws, rules and regulations, as per YMCA standard.
• Ensure assigned vehicles have routine maintenance, updated registration and insurance.
• Contribute time and effort towards a Strong Kids activity
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the Electronic Health Record.

• Valid NJ Driver’s License and clean driver’s abstract.
• Bilingual – Spanish Speaking (REQUIRED)
• Ability to use personal vehicle for self-transportation to client homes.
• Minimum of 1 year experience with children and families, particularly families involved with the child welfare system and/or affected by trauma.
• Master’s degree in social work, Counseling or related field - REQUIRED
• Valid Professional license (LPC, LAC, LSW, LCSW, LMFT). May be in process of obtaining licensure.
• Knowledge of trauma and effect on children and families.
• Experience/willingness to work with culturally diverse populations.
• Skills in problem analysis and problem resolution at both a strategic and functional level.
• Ability to communicate effectively.