Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Clinical Counselor for Children

The primary purpose of the position is to assess and counsel children in families referred to the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) for child abuse/neglect or domestic abuse allegations; provide Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY) case management; and provide direct clinical services on family dynamics, healthy parent-child interaction, coparenting communication, children's adjustment to the military lifestyle, and non-medical clinical counseling for children and parents.

FAP Assessment and Treatment of Children: Serve as an authoritative expert on the emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns of children, including trauma and child abuse and neglect, and as an authority on evaluating a child's emotional and mental health needs through use of various assessments. Conduct clinical and psychosocial assessments of children in families referred to the FAP for child abuse/neglect and/or domestic abuse allegations; which may include assessing children who are alleged victims of child abuse/neglect, other children in the home, and children who have witnessed domestic abuse. Conduct comprehensive and complex clinical assessments to identify crisis situations, e.g., suicide or homicide risk, danger of physical or sexual abuse to family members, and increased risk of further family violence. Provide crisis intervention and safety planning, as required. Employ various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and family therapy to help children cope with their emotional and behavioral issues stemming from trauma. Coordinate assessment findings with the FAP Case Manager, Child Protective Services, and other involved medical personnel or behavioral health providers. Coordinate with military offices (BUMED, CYP, DoDEA), community services, and specialized community clinical providers on providing accessible and tailored services to children and families that meet their child development and other special needs, and reflect and accommodate diverse cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic status', religions, disabilities, genders, gender identities and expressions, and sexual orientations throughout all aspects of the Coordinated Community Response (CCR). Consult with other providers on the selection or development of group treatment curriculum for children and parents by providing session specific materials and research-based justifications, where appropriate. Coordinate and/or provide in-service training on child abuse, neglect, and trauma to other FFSC staff. Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth Case Management Serve as designated case manager and primary FAP point of contact for PSB-CY cases, ensuring all actions comply with Department of Defense (DoD) and Navy instructions and civilian reporting requirements. Receive initial reports of problematic sexual behaviors in children and youth (PSB-CY) from military and civilian representatives and take all steps required under the FAP PSB-CY. Provide or coordinate clinical services access with other FAP providers or with community clinical providers to include psychoeducational support, assessment, and clinical intervention for exhibiting children, youth, and their families. Provide or coordinate with specialized MTF providers or community providers on specialized assessments and evaluations, as recommended by the CCSM. Provide or coordinate with healthcare providers on safety and supervision planning for children and families affected by problematic sexual behaviors. Support children and families affected by PSB-CY by providing at-risk and safety planning information to Coordinated Community Response (CCR) (e.g., child and youth programs, DoDEA, medical, legal, law enforcement, and related community agencies such as Child Protective Services, etc.), to address safety needs of youth involved and limit ongoing risk to family and community members. Complete all required assessments and documentation (clinical notes, collateral contacts, treatment plans, and required statistical data) in the DoD Military Community and Family Policy PSB-CY Case Management System, as required. Non-medical Clinical Counseling for Children Provide assessment and short-term, solution focused non-medical clinical counseling services to eligible children, parents and families within the authorized scope of FFSP clinical care. Refer children for child behavioral health follow-up for any psychological disorders or symptoms requiring longer-term and/or behavioral health intervention. Manage assigned non-medical counseling cases, consulting with FAP Clinical Supervisor when the case is highly complex or presents with special issues. Comply with reporting protocols involving high risk and high visibility cases. Receive and assess referrals from military and civilian agencies.