508490-Family Focused Solutions Counselor

Job Summary This position reports to the Director of Family Focused Solutions Counseling and serves as a key liaison between Families First case managers and community resources across assigned counties. The role is responsible for identifying, coordinating, and connecting Families First participants with appropriate services through partnerships with private and community agencies, as well as resources available through Department of Human Services (DHS) offices. The incumbent works to assess participant needs, reduce barriers to employment, and support successful engagement in work or training programs. This includes evaluating the severity and complexity of individual cases, making informed referrals to appropriate treatment or support services, and determining when participants may benefit from applying for disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The position requires ongoing collaboration, resource navigation, and case support to promote participant stability and progress toward self-sufficiency, along with performing other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of brief solution-focused therapy principles and techniques. Knowledge of community resources, referral processes, and service delivery systems. Ability to provide individual, group, and/or family support services in a structured and professional setting. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse populations. Ability to assess participant needs and determine appropriate short- or long-term service or training referrals. Ability to identify and help address barriers to employment, including social, economic, and personal challenges. Ability to advocate on behalf of participants to connect them with appropriate services and resources. Required Qualifications Master's degree in social work, counseling, or a related field and previous experience working with an adult population; training in brief solution-focused therapy; training in alcohol and drug assessment is helpful. OR A combination of education and work experience 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. 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.