Bilingual Youth Counselor / Gang Prevention Specialist - Spanish required

Northern Virginia Family Service - Falls Church, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Falls Church, VA

Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

About the position

The Bilingual Youth Counselor / Gang Prevention Specialist at Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) plays a crucial role in supporting at-risk youth and their families. This position focuses on providing therapeutic case management services, education on gang involvement, and resources to help families communicate effectively and set appropriate limits. The counselor will work directly with youth aged 10-21 and their families, ensuring they are connected to community resources and support networks to prevent gang involvement and promote healthy relationships.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake for all referred clients in Prince William or Fairfax.
• Provide short-term intensive case management services to assigned case load, including assessment, goal plan development, and referral.
• Refer clients with trauma-recovery related mental health needs to the VPIP/FRP Mental Health Counselor where available.
• Provide life skills education and intervention according to clients' goal plans and resource needs.
• Educate IPE referred youth and their parents about gang awareness.
• Participate actively in team meetings and collaborative service delivery models to address community, family, and individual violence prevention and intervention needs.
• Initiate and maintain collaborative contact with other agencies working with the youth and their families.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community services providing support for youth and families.
• Implement plans to educate and increase gang awareness in the community, including workshops and groups in schools and community settings.
• Ensure confidentiality policies and procedures are followed and that reports to authorities occur in mandated time frames.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or Criminal Justice from an accredited college or university OR Associate's degree with at least four years of related work experience preferred.
• At least two years of related direct service experience providing individual and/or group services to youth and families, case management, and working with at-risk youth.
• Experience providing services to immigrants, recently reunified families, and adolescents.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of gang dynamics.
• Fluency in Spanish and English required.
• Proficiency in basic technological tools including laptops/computers, email, phones, and internet; working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must have reliable transportation to visit client homes and other designated community locations.

Nice-to-haves

• Additional language skills are welcome.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit offerings to support various dimensions of wellbeing.
• Work/life flexibility and career growth opportunities.
• Salary ranges from low to mid 50s.