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Cayuga Centers

Community Based Counselor

Cayuga Centers, Rochester, New York, United States

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Posted Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Cayuga Centers

is

hiring immediately

for

a Community Based Counselor (FFT Therapist)

*This is a temporary to possibly permanent position*

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

About Cayuga Centers

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. We have program offices across 8 states and serve over 10,000 individuals and families annually. Join us!

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 do this by providing our staff with the training, coaching, and resources necessary to grow and serve with cultural humility, acceptance, and understanding. We are responsive to the diverse needs of those we serve and staff, and are committed to ensuring that everyone feels respected, valued, and a sense of belonging.

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.

About the Program and Community Based Counselor Position: Cayuga Centers is the longest-standing provider of Functional Family Therapist (FFT) in the United States, proud leading the way since becoming New York State's first accredited FFT provider in 2000.

Our FFT program serves youth ages 11-18 and their families. This family-focused therapy operates on the belief that all families have strengths and are doing the best they can at any point. With FFT, the entire family unit works together to prevent out-of-home placement, intervene on behalf of family rebuilding, and unify the family unit. Families work together through three FFT phases of engagement: motivation, behavior change, and generalization with our licensed clinicians over 12-16 weeks.

How you will get to use your skills as a Community Based Counselor….

Apply and develop your clinical assessment, evaluation, and family mental health therapy skills

Utilize a strengths-based and trauma-informed mental health practice to help children, youth, and families identify their strengths and needs

Provide therapeutic case management

Learn an internationally utilized evidence-based mental health treatment model

Demonstrate an inclusive practice both in the office and in the field to support a diverse and accepting culture

Contribute to a multidisciplinary team that shares your passion for children and families

Required Experience of Community Based Counselor:

Master's degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, or Creative Art Therapy with experience in strength-based family and children services - required

Licensed or Limited Permit preferred

Experience working with children and families in a community-based or "in-home" setting

Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills

A strong belief in the capacity of people to grow and change

Possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed to appreciate and encourage diversity, and understand the concept of cultural trauma as it applies to individual and family functioning

Knowledge and experience in formulating clinical mental health diagnoses and/or impressions

Ability to engage families who may have been unsuccessful in mental health clinic settings

Ability to have flexibility in hours worked both routinely, to meet children and families when they are available, and occasionally, in response to crises which may occur at any hour of any day

Valid NYS driver's license - required

Physical Requirements of a Community Based Counselor:

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 up and down stairs inside/outside as well as inside and outside of homes

Schedule for a Community Based Counselor: Exempt

We are looking for an applicant who is willing to work a flexible schedule that suits the youth and family needs

Full-time: 40-hour-a-week position that will require evening and possibly weekend hours

Why Cayuga Centers?

Certified Great Place to Work ®

Council on Accreditation (COA) Accredited

Implement best practices and evidence-based interventions

Committed to employee professional development and advancement

We embrace change, innovation, and opportunities

Our diverse workforce acts and leads with human sensitivity and respect

Large and growing national footprint

Benefits of a Community Based Counselor:

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

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