Family Focused Solutions Counselor

Job Summary 
Responsible to the Director of Family Services for establishing a liaison with the Families First case managers in his/her counties; accessing and networking resources needed for Families First customers, including private and community agencies applying for services and resources provided by DHS offices; breaking down barriers preventing Families First customers from going to work; determining the best referral services for each treatment; determining the severity of each case and deciding if the customer needs to apply for disability of SSI benefits; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of brief solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, the 2 Gen approach, trauma informed care.
• Knowledge of referral sources.
• Ability to provide individual, group and/or family therapy.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to assess and evaluate client needs for short or long-term treatment and/or to be in a training program.
• Ability to help clients reduce barriers to work.
• Ability to serve as an advocate for needed resources.

Required Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, marriage and family, or related field

Preferred Qualifications 

• Three (3) years of counseling experience
• Training in alcohol and drug assessment
• Previous experience working with an adult population
• Training in brief solution focused therapy

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family – Social Services Professional 2
• Market Range: 7 (Salary Schedules)
• For information on benefits please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check. 

ETSU is an equal opportunity employer.

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.