Community-based Counselor (U2)

Job Description

Open Roads Services, LLC (ORS) is a New Jersey-based for-profit behavioral health and community services organization, affiliated with Open Roads Community Center (ORCC), an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are seeking a bilingual, associate-licensed Community-Based Counselor (U2) to deliver community-based mental health counseling services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families in their home, school, and community environments across New Jersey.

The Community-Based Counselor (U2) provides therapeutic intervention in the client’s natural environment with the goal of strengthening family functioning, reducing psychiatric symptoms, building coping skills, and preventing out-of-home placement. Services are authorized through the CSOC system and delivered in coordination with the client’s Care Management Organization (CMO), school, and other natural supports. This position requires an active NJ associate-level clinical license (LSW, LAMFT, or LAC) with documented clinical supervision in place and a clear path to full licensure. Fluency in both English and Spanish is required. This position reports directly to the Clinical Director, who will also serve as the clinical supervisor of records.

Compensation

Avg. Annual Salary (NJ)

$60,000 / year | $32.97 / hour

Salary Range

$50,000 – $70,000 • Based on License Level & Experience

Job Function

Clinical Service Delivery

• Provide community-based counseling to an assigned caseload of children, adolescents, and young adults ages 3–21 in home, school, and community settings.

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments; develop and regularly update individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients, families, CMOs, and providers.

• Deliver evidence-based interventions including CBT, TF-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and family systems approaches in English and Spanish.

• Provide crisis assessment, safety planning, and de-escalation support as needed within the community setting.

Care Coordination & Collaboration

• Participate in Child Family Team (CFT) meetings, school conferences, and interagency planning sessions as the clinical representative for the client and family.

• Maintain active communication with the assigned CMO regarding treatment progress, clinical status changes, and service authorization.

• Collaborate with school counselors, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and community providers to ensure a coordinated, whole-person approach to care.

• Make timely referrals to higher levels of care or specialized services when clinically indicated; coordinate with the ORS/ORCC Hub Model to connect clients to wraparound supports.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete all clinical documentation — treatment plans, progress notes, assessments, and discharge summaries — promptly and in compliance with CSOC, Medicaid, HIPAA, and ORS standards.

• Submit billing documentation and service logs accurately and on time to support Medicaid reimbursement and organizational compliance.

• Maintain all required CEUs and license renewal requirements per NJ licensing board standards.

Responsibilites

• Participate in regularly scheduled individual and group clinical supervision with the Clinical Director, who serves as supervisor of record for associate licensure.

• Attend staff meetings, training, and organizational events as required by ORS.

• Uphold ORS/ORCC values, cultural competency, trauma-informed practice, and equitable service delivery in every client interaction.

• Maintain strict confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 (where applicable), and ORS organizational policy.

• Contribute to the ongoing development of ORS clinical programs by sharing insights, identifying service gaps, and recommending improvements.

Education & License Requirements

▶ Education

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or a related clinical field required. This is a non-negotiable requirement for all licensed positions.

▶ Clinical Licensure

• Active NJ associate-level license required at time of hire: Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT), or Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC).

• Active, documented clinical supervision must be in place at time of hire with a clear and demonstrable path to full licensure.

• Candidates actively pursuing full licensure (LCSW, LMFT, or LPC) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Note: ORS is a CSOC-approved provider. All clinical staff must meet NJ Medicaid and CSOC credentialing requirements. License verification conducted prior to hire and at each renewal period. Clinical supervision is provided by Clinical Director Stephanie Williams, LPC, ACS.

Work Experience

• Minimum two years of post-graduate clinical experience in a mental health or behavioral health setting preferred, but will train.

• Prior experience delivering community-based, in-home, or IIC mental health services strongly preferred.

• Experience with children, adolescents, and families in a CSOC-aligned or Medicaid-funded environment is a significant asset.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Frequent standing, bending, reaching, and lifting 50+ lbs.; travel between program sites and community locations.

Vacation & Benefits

As a full-time exempt employee, you are eligible for Open Roads Community Center’s group benefit plans. These include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement plans, and supplemental options. Enrollment is optional. Employees accrue vacation, personal, and sick days, plus 10 paid holidays.

Additional Benefits: Professional development assistance, referral program, internal/external trainings, 403(b) with employer match, and more.

EEOS

Open Roads is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to excellence. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and made without regard to race, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any protected class under state or federal law.

Additional Requirements

Driver's License & Vehicle

Valid NJ driver’s license and reliable vehicle required — mileage reimbursement will be provided.
Must provide proof of current vehicle registration and valid auto insurance before hiring.

Background check

Must successfully complete NJ background check (CARI and FBI fingerprinting) before hiring.