YMCA YFS Newcomer Mental Health Specialist

About Us:

The YMCA is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the mental health and well-being of newcomers to our community. We understand the unique challenges that immigrants and refugees face when adjusting to a new environment, and we are committed to providing culturally sensitive and effective mental health support.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and qualified Newcomer Mental Health Specialist to join our dynamic team. As a specialist in this role, you will play a crucial part in offering mental health services tailored to the needs of individuals who have recently arrived in our community. You will collaborate with a diverse group of professionals to ensure that our services are accessible, culturally competent, and contribute to the overall well-being of newcomers.

Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of a board-approved clinical supervisor, the employee provides crisis intervention and assessment and supportive counseling and coaching to youths and families referred.
• Leads or co-leads psychoeducational and support groups (child and adult groups)
• Consults with parents, school staff, and clinicians regarding youth’s progress/participation
• Attends school and parent meetings as needed (e.g: EMT/ARD/suspension, etc.)
• Provides mental health support to Newcomer immigrant youth and families at multiple MCPS school sites
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in electronic health record and cloud-based spreadsheet daily
• Stay informed about current research, best practices, and resources related to newcomer mental health

Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field
• Experience working with the school system (preferred)
• Experience working with youth and parents from immigrant and refugee populations, demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust with diverse individuals.
• Ability to learn to apply crisis management skills to clients in crisis
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Fluency in English/Spanish is required.

We offer the following benefits:

We appreciate your talents, hard work and professional dedication and will reward you with a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including a 10% employer-funded retirement plan. In addition, we provide 403(b) retirement savings plan; high quality healthcare; free YMCA membership for you and your family; a generous paid time off package; numerous professional development opportunities; an exciting and collaborative work environment; and the ability to work with creative, talented and diverse individuals

Join us in making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of newcomers to our community!