Position Summary
The Youth Development Clinical Specialist integrates therapeutic practice with youth development principles to promote the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of children and adolescents engaged in Foundation Communities programs. The Specialist provides counseling, emotional support, and clinical case management to youth and families, with services primarily delivered through the organization’s Learning Centers—key spaces for engagement, prevention, and therapeutic support.
Grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approaches, this role supports emotional wellness, resilience, and healthy family relationships. The Specialist offers on-site counseling and interventions for youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, or relational challenges impacting learning, development, or stability, while collaborating with program teams to create supportive environments where youth can thrive. In addition to client services, the Specialist trains and supports youth program staff in trauma-informed engagement and provides clinical supervision for social work interns and LMSWs as an LCSW-S.
This position is funded for three years, with potential for extension based on program outcomes and funding.
Essential Job Functions
• Provide case management and referral services for children and families experiencing behavioral, social-emotional, or mental health challenges.
• Conduct child- and family-centered assessments to identify strengths, needs, and potential risks.
• Develop and monitor action plans that promote stability, academic success, and positive family functioning.
• Implement crisis intervention, safety planning, and de-escalation strategies to support children and families in distress.
• Facilitate family engagement and caregiver coaching to strengthen communication and supportive home environments.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of services, referrals, and outcomes in compliance with agency standards.
• Track service utilization and prepare progress and outcome reports for internal stakeholders.
Written/Revised November 2025
• Collaborate with Learning Center staff to support children displaying behavioral, emotional, or trauma-related challenges.
• Provide on-site consultation, modeling, and coaching for Learning Center staff in trauma-responsive, developmentally appropriate practices.
• Deliver trainings and workshops for staff on child development, social-emotional learning, and behavior management.
• Partner with Learning Center teams to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments that promote resilience, academic engagement, and well-being.
• Serve as a liaison between families, schools, CPS, and community providers to coordinate wraparound services.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to align care plans and ensure continuity of support.
• Advocate for children’s access to educational, mental health, and community resources.
• Participate in outreach efforts, including resident events, health fairs, and community activities, to build trust and connect residents with available supports.
• Supervise clinical staff, interns, and LMSWs pursuing licensure, providing regular clinical supervision and professional development in compliance with state board standards.
• Prepare annual reports and updates summarizing program interventions, service trends, and effectiveness measures
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and workshops.
• Home visits are necessary when assessing safety and needs.
• Uphold Foundation Communities’ commitment to equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care in all aspects of service delivery.
• Perform additional related duties assigned to support program and agency goals.
Minimum Qualifications
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Master’s Degree in Social Work.
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Must hold a current Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) credential in the State of Texas and be willing and eligible to obtain the LCSW-S within a defined timeframe.
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Two (2)+ years post-licensure experience providing therapy or behavioral health services to youth and families.
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Experience supporting child and adolescent development, family systems, and social-emotional learning.
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Strong skills in child/family assessment, crisis intervention, and care coordination.
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Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
Written/Revised November 2025
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Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends, to meet program or community needs.
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Must be able to travel or commute regularly to various Foundation Communities properties and locations as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bilingual (Spanish/English or other language).
• Experience in school-based services, afterschool programming, or family case management.
• Familiarity with social-emotional learning frameworks and evidence-based youth interventions.
• Prior experience providing supervision to interns or licensure-seeking staff
Physical Demands/Work Environment: This position operates within multifamily housing communities that may present complex challenges related to housing instability, behavioral health needs, and socioeconomic stressors. The role requires flexibility, composure, and strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse populations in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that may occasionally involve crisis situations or residents with complex needs.
Foundation Communities is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation & gender identity.
Pay Information: range $70k annuall