New Directions Youth and Family Services
Brief Strategic Family Therapist
New Directions Youth and Family Services, Amherst, New York, United States
Job Title
Brief Strategic Family Therapist (BSFT)
Department BSFT
Position Summary The Brief Strategic Family Therapist (BSFT) works within the BSFT Model, an evidence‑based approach to delivering preventive interventions for children and families. This role partners with families across Erie County to strengthen relationships, build competence, and foster lasting change. The BSFT Therapist maintains a manageable caseload of 10–12 families, providing services in home and community settings through trauma‑informed treatment that is sensitive to the cultural needs of those served.
Agency New Directions Youth & Family Services is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti‑racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and life insurance
401(k) with up to 3% agency match
105 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays
Flexible scheduling, with some evenings required
Opportunities for professional development and advancement
Supportive agency culture where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years
Compensation $58,458 – $64,000 annually (Offers based on education and years of relevant experience)
Hours & Schedule Full‑time, flexible schedule with evening and occasional weekend hours.
Professional Development Opportunities We invest in our employees through training, certification, and ongoing supervision. Staff receive training and maintain certification in the Brief Strategic Family Therapy model. Additional training opportunities include Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), First Aid/CPR, and other continuing education programs.
Position Specific Duties / Responsibilities
Maintain a caseload of 10–12 families and provide weekly in‑person services
Conduct safety assessments during every home visit
Partner with families to identify strengths, challenges, and develop treatment strategies
Implement and reinforce change strategies that support family competence
Build a therapeutic alliance with each family member and the family as a unit
Complete training and maintain certification in the Brief Strategic Family Therapy model
Participate in BSFT supervision, including video review of sessions
Travel as necessary for training requirements
Work closely with BSFT team members for case coverage and consultation
Participate in team meetings and collaborate with community partners
Link youth and families with formal and informal community supports
Communicate regularly with county case managers (Erie and Niagara)
Maintain timely and accurate case records in Netsmart myEvolv and CONNECTIONS
Document all progress notes, assessments, and treatment strategies
Ensure confidentiality of all client information
Participate in supervision, mandatory trainings, and professional development
Adhere to agency and departmental policies, normative culture, and the NASW Code of Ethics
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Provide culturally sensitive, trauma‑informed treatment
Work effectively with youth and families experiencing behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges
Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment
Collaborate with families, staff, and community partners
Proficiency in documentation and communication across multiple platforms (written, email, phone, logs)
Commitment to evidence‑based practices and ethical standards
Qualifications
Master’s degree in a human services field specializing in mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, or related field (required)
License in a mental health field (required)
Valid driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and ability to meet agency driving criteria
Ability to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 1 classification)
Compliance with agency safety standards and healthy work environment practices
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable human service organization to apply.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Health Care Provider
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Department BSFT
Position Summary The Brief Strategic Family Therapist (BSFT) works within the BSFT Model, an evidence‑based approach to delivering preventive interventions for children and families. This role partners with families across Erie County to strengthen relationships, build competence, and foster lasting change. The BSFT Therapist maintains a manageable caseload of 10–12 families, providing services in home and community settings through trauma‑informed treatment that is sensitive to the cultural needs of those served.
Agency New Directions Youth & Family Services is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti‑racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and life insurance
401(k) with up to 3% agency match
105 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays
Flexible scheduling, with some evenings required
Opportunities for professional development and advancement
Supportive agency culture where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years
Compensation $58,458 – $64,000 annually (Offers based on education and years of relevant experience)
Hours & Schedule Full‑time, flexible schedule with evening and occasional weekend hours.
Professional Development Opportunities We invest in our employees through training, certification, and ongoing supervision. Staff receive training and maintain certification in the Brief Strategic Family Therapy model. Additional training opportunities include Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), First Aid/CPR, and other continuing education programs.
Position Specific Duties / Responsibilities
Maintain a caseload of 10–12 families and provide weekly in‑person services
Conduct safety assessments during every home visit
Partner with families to identify strengths, challenges, and develop treatment strategies
Implement and reinforce change strategies that support family competence
Build a therapeutic alliance with each family member and the family as a unit
Complete training and maintain certification in the Brief Strategic Family Therapy model
Participate in BSFT supervision, including video review of sessions
Travel as necessary for training requirements
Work closely with BSFT team members for case coverage and consultation
Participate in team meetings and collaborate with community partners
Link youth and families with formal and informal community supports
Communicate regularly with county case managers (Erie and Niagara)
Maintain timely and accurate case records in Netsmart myEvolv and CONNECTIONS
Document all progress notes, assessments, and treatment strategies
Ensure confidentiality of all client information
Participate in supervision, mandatory trainings, and professional development
Adhere to agency and departmental policies, normative culture, and the NASW Code of Ethics
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Provide culturally sensitive, trauma‑informed treatment
Work effectively with youth and families experiencing behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges
Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment
Collaborate with families, staff, and community partners
Proficiency in documentation and communication across multiple platforms (written, email, phone, logs)
Commitment to evidence‑based practices and ethical standards
Qualifications
Master’s degree in a human services field specializing in mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, or related field (required)
License in a mental health field (required)
Valid driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and ability to meet agency driving criteria
Ability to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 1 classification)
Compliance with agency safety standards and healthy work environment practices
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable human service organization to apply.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Health Care Provider
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