Are you looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career in the mental health field? At Southwest Family Guidance Center, we meet our clients where they’re at. We’d love to have you join us in our mission to provide exceptional behavioral health services that promote healing, empowerment, and positive transformation.

Our agency is committed to providing a wide range of services to members of the community: children, adolescents, adults, and families. We are always adapting services to meet the changing needs of the community and their life situations. Services provided include individual, family, and group psychotherapy, supporting individuals through the many stages and circumstances of life.

We offer flexibility that promotes work-life balance. Non-traditional hours are available. We provide supervision hours, opportunities for CEUs, and administrative support. In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer contribution, Medical Flexible Spending Account, Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, and Employee Assistance Program.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Therapist provides individual, family, or group psychotherapy and coordinates assessment, treatment planning, and progress with the supervisor, including collaboration with other therapists, supervisors, and/or stakeholders as appropriate. This includes, but is not limited to, preparation for sessions, consultation with the supervisor, professional and ethical facilitation of therapeutic sessions, timely completion of clinical documentation, and active engagement in the supervision process.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Current LMHC, LMFT, LMSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, LCSW, etc. or other license accepted by the State of New Mexico for the provision of counseling or social work. Provisional/temporary licenses accepted.
• Demonstrated interest in providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and families
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and computer skills
• Flexible availability in order to coordinate with client schedules, routine training, supervision, and/or administrative meetings
• Spanish-speaking ability is highly desirable
• Authorized to work in the US
• Passing of CYFD and any other required entity-specific (e.g. school district) background check

COMPENSATION
Starting compensation up to $67,200 annually.
Comprehensive benefits package.

Southwest Family Guidance Center, a growing and thriving counseling agency in New Mexico, has an opening in the Albuquerque area to join our team as a Mental Health Therapist (Children and Families).

The Therapist provides individual, family, or group psychotherapy and coordinates assessment, treatment planning, and progress with the supervisor, including collaboration with other therapists, supervisors, and/or stakeholders as appropriate. This includes, but is not limited to, preparation for sessions, consultation with the supervisor, professional and ethical facilitation of therapeutic sessions, timely completion of clinical documentation, and active engagement in the supervision process.

This is an office-based position that involves delivering services to school-aged children and families. After-school hours are required: 3 evenings per week until 7 p.m. and 2 evenings per week until 6 p.m.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide individual, family, or group psychotherapy in various settings (office, school, or community).
•  Continually assess the client, utilizing relevant psychiatric, medical, and developmental history and incorporating cultural considerations, family, school, and community reports.
• Utilize a client-centered, family-focused, strength-based approach.
• Manage the treatment termination process and discharge planning to enhance clients’ abilities to retain treatment changes and/or use other available support services.
• Maintain appropriate professional files.
• Collect necessary information to bill for services and facilitate fee collection.
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional licensing board and third-party payor requirements governing the provision of behavioral health services.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling
• Current LMHC, LMFT, LMSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, LCSW, etc. or other license accepted by the State of New Mexico for the provision of counseling or social work
• Knowledge of mental health disorders and treatment methods
• Experience or demonstrated interest in providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and families
• Familiarity with clinical operations and procedures, Medicaid services, and community mental health resources
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and computer skills, including proficiency in Word and Excel, and the ability to use Electronic Health Record (EHR) system software
• Flexible availability in order to coordinate with client schedules, routine training, supervision, and/or administrative meetings
• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English (Spanish highly desirable)
• Authorized to work in the US
• Passing of CYFD and any other required entity-specific (e.g. school district) background check

SALARY

$42,000–58,000 per year
Monthly financial incentives range from $500–2,100
Comprehensive benefits package

OPENINGS IN BERNALILLO, RIO ARRIBA & VALENCIA COUNTIES

Do you have a passion for working with children and families? Southwest Family Guidance Center is looking for compassionate, dedicated people in Valencia County and the surrounding area who want to empower youth and families by creating strength-based behavior change that will be sustained long after treatment ends.

You will receive training in the Multisystemic Therapy (MST) model* as you begin working with families, youth, their communities, and other key members of their ecology to implement MST as designed. Extensive research has proven the effectiveness of MST. MST therapists do whatever it takes, via close collaboration with all involved, to address the needs of juveniles with serious criminal offenses and, in some cases, substance abuse. You will empower families to address challenging and/or problematic behavior and to help youth aged 12 – 17 make life-transforming changes. Treatment progress is made through intensive interventions such as skill building, changing unhelpful family interactions, and increasing social support, to name a few.

For more information about MST, please visit:
swfamily.com/mst
mstservices.com

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide direct clinical treatment in the home and community using the MST treatment model and principles.
• Conduct a thorough assessment of the client and family: gather information on behaviors of concern and strengths in the family and their ecology to inform conceptualization of the problem behaviors and interactions within the family’s ecological context.
• Continuously work to engage the primary caregiver, family members, supports, and community agency staff (school, probation, child welfare) in change-oriented treatment.
• Dedicate time to weekly case planning and evaluation of case progress, with ongoing support from your supervisor and team members.
• Receive regular training, professional development, supervision, and consultation activities designed to help you acquire extensive clinical skills within the MST treatment model.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related area.

LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS (one or more of the following):
LAMFT, LMHC, LADAC, LPCC, LMFT, LISW, LCSW, LMSW

SALARY
$58,000–63,500 per year. Monthly financial incentives range from $500–2,100. Comprehensive benefits package.

Spanish-speaking preferred

*MST training will be provided.

Southwest Family Guidance Center has an opening in the Albuquerque area for a Community Support Worker.

The Community Support Worker provides CCSS (Comprehensive Community Support Services) to qualifying individuals. The CSW has the primary responsibility for assisting the individual and family in implementing the CCSS service plan, which will enable the development of skills necessary for independent functioning within the community. Community support activities address goals of independent living, learning, working, socializing, and recreation.

Essential Functions:

• Assist the individual and family with implementing the CCSS service plan.
• Coordinate family team meetings and facilitate meetings as needed.
• Develop a psychiatric advance directive.
• Assessment, support, and intervention in crisis situations including the development and use of crisis plan which recognizes the early signs of the individual’s crisis/relapse, use of interpersonal supports, use of alternatives to emergency departments and inpatient services.
• Revise crisis plan over time based on newly identified triggers and what is known to be effective for the individual.
• Conduct individualized interventions; coach in areas such as socialization skills, developmental issues, daily living skills, school and work readiness activities, and education in co-occurring illness.
• Encourage development of natural supports in workplace and school environments.
• Assist in learning symptom monitoring and illness self-management skills.
• Provide support and coaching to the individual to obtain and maintain stable housing.
• Engage the individual in achieving treatment/recovery goals.
• Complete required documentation.
• Attend agency meetings and trainings as required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of 18 years old
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Studies, or related field from an accredited university
• One year of relevant experience with the target population
• Flexible availability, in order to coordinate with client schedules, routine training, supervision, and/or administrative meetings
• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English (Spanish a plus)
• Reliable transportation
• Ability and willingness to engage in moderate day travel
• Authorized to work in the US
• Passing of CYFD and any other required entity-specific (e.g. school district) background check

Southwest Family Guidance Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Southwest Family Guidance Center offers an internship program for Master’s level graduate students in counseling and social work. Our internship program is available in our Albuquerque and Las Cruces offices. Our internship program provides clinical experience in suicide/crisis risk assessment of children and adolescents, office-based counseling with children, adolescents, families, couples, and adults, and ongoing individual and group supervision. Our interns also have the opportunity to participate in our Thriving Kids program. Interns are welcome and encouraged to participate in all agency clinical trainings.

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Albuquerque & Las Cruces locations have openings for the 2023–2024 Internship Program.

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Here’s what some of our past interns had to say about their experience working with us:

Interning with Southwest Family Guidance Center & Institute further confirmed my passion for helping others and my desire to learn more about how to be an effective social worker. I was fortunate to have site supervisors who were dedicated to mentoring a new person into the profession, ensuring positive growth for the future. The evaluation feedback I received from my supervisor allowed me to grow, not only on an academia level, but also on a personal level. The internship opportunities at Southwest Family Guidance Center & Institute far exceeded my expectations.”
—Ivonne Riley,  MSW New Mexico Highlands University

The internship program at Southwest Family Guidance Center and Institute was instrumental in preparing me for professional practice. My clinical supervisor Claire Kyllo, LISW was instrumental in my professional development, helping me to identify my abilities and support their development. Claire was always there to “lift me up,” with her strengths-based approach, relaxed manner, and inimitable humor. No matter how thorny the clinical problem, Claire cut to the heart of it with insight and wisdom while supporting me in taking a proactive, positive approach. Interning with Southwest Family Guidance Center was an invaluable experience and I cannot recommend it more highly!
—Margot Feldvebel, MSW New Mexico State University

“My internship experience at Southwest Family Guidance Center was a wonderful one. All the staff there is very inviting, professional, and extremely helpful. The supervision is the best I have had during internships, and the range of jobs and trainings was so helpful for future careers.”
—Monique Baca, Intern 

“As an intern with SWFGC I was able to expand my knowledge and experience with assessment as well as evidence-based theory interventions. The therapists and supervisors at SWFGC were always helpful and appreciated all the hard work interns do! A great place to get your feet wet with clients and therapy!”
—Breeann Wilkinson, MSW Intern from NMSU-Albuquerque

NOW HIRING!

Are you a licensed counselor or social worker who enjoys working with children and families? Would you like to work in a supportive and positive professional environment? Southwest Family Guidance Center, a growing and thriving counseling agency in New Mexico has an opening in Las Cruces to join our team as an outpatient Behavioral Health Therapist.

The Therapist provides individual, family, or group psychotherapy and coordinates assessment, treatment planning, and progress with the supervisor, including collaboration with other therapists, supervisors, and/or stakeholders as appropriate. This includes, but is not limited to: preparation for sessions, consultation with supervisor, professional and ethical facilitation of therapeutic sessions, timely completion of clinical documentation, and active engagement in the supervision process.

DESCRIPTION

• Provide individual, family, or group psychotherapy in our Las Cruces office. Use a variety of psychotherapeutic treatment approaches and interventions to change targeted behaviors and stabilize adaptive behaviors with children, adolescents, and their families.
• Continually assess client, utilizing relevant psychiatric, medical, and developmental history and incorporating cultural considerations, family, school, and community reports. Utilize this information to make decisions regarding diagnosis (per DSM 5) and treatment objectives and/or to provide information and make appropriate referrals to other treatment resources within the agency or community.
• Utilize a client-centered, family-focused, strength-based approach; clarify priority problems and goals for change to assist the client/family in developing appropriate expectations for treatment in relation to the agency.
• Manage the treatment termination process and discharge planning to enhance clients’ ability to retain treatment changes and/or use other support services.
• Maintain appropriate professional files, including comprehensive psychosocial assessments, diagnostic assessments, progress notes, measurable treatment plan goals and objectives, treatment summaries, discharge summaries, previous treatment records, clients’ consent to current treatment, and authorizations to release records.
• Collect necessary information to bill for services and facilitate fee collection. This includes, without limitation, regularly monitoring client insurance information and eligibility, collecting client co-pays and timely transmitting to agency administration, and providing timely responses to all requests from the agency billing department and/or administration related to the billing for payment of services delivered.
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional licensing board and third-party payor requirements governing the provision of behavioral health services.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling
• Current LMHC, LMFT, LMSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, LCSW, etc. or other licenses accepted by the State of New Mexico for the provision of counseling or social work
• Knowledge of mental health disorders and treatment methods
• Experience or demonstrated interest in providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and families
• Familiarity with clinical operations and procedures, Medicaid services, and community mental health resources
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and computer skills, including proficiency in Word and Excel, and the ability to use Electronic Health Record (EHR) system software
• Flexible availability to coordinate with client schedules, routine training, supervision, and/or administrative meetings
• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English (Spanish a plus)
• Reliable transportation
• Ability and willingness to engage in the moderate day travel
• Authorized to work in the US
• Passing of CYFD and any other required entity-specific (e.g., school district) background check

BENEFITS

• Flexible schedule
• Competitive pay
• Supportive environment
• Valuable and meaningful work
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Free Professional Development, continuing education credits, and support for Independent Licensure

This is a full-time position. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. Interested candidates may send a resume to Katharine Spehar, HR Manager, at kspehar@swfamily.com.

Southwest Family Guidance Center & Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Southwest Family Guidance Center has an opening in Las Cruces for a Community Support Worker.

The Community Support Worker provides CCSS (Comprehensive Community Support Services) to qualifying individuals. The CSW has the primary responsibility for assisting the individual and family in implementing the CCSS service plan, which will enable the development of skills necessary for independent functioning within the community. Community support activities address goals of independent living, learning, working, socializing, and recreation.

Essential Functions:

• Assist the individual and family with implementing the CCSS service plan.
• Coordinate family team meetings and facilitate meetings as needed.
• Develop a psychiatric advance directive.
• Assessment, support, and intervention in crisis situations including the development and use of crisis plan which recognizes the early signs of the individual’s crisis/relapse, use of interpersonal supports, use of alternatives to emergency departments and inpatient services.
• Revise crisis plan over time based on newly identified triggers and what is known to be effective for the individual.
• Conduct individualized interventions; coach in areas such as socialization skills, developmental issues, daily living skills, school and work readiness activities, and education in co-occurring illness.
• Encourage development of natural supports in workplace and school environments.
• Assist in learning symptom monitoring and illness self-management skills.
• Provide support and coaching to the individual to obtain and maintain stable housing.
• Engage the individual in achieving treatment/recovery goals.
• Complete required documentation.
• Attend agency meetings and trainings as required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of 18 years old
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Studies, or related field from an accredited university
• One year of relevant experience with the target population
• Flexible availability, in order to coordinate with client schedules, routine training, supervision, and/or administrative meetings
• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English (Spanish a plus)
• Reliable transportation
• Ability and willingness to engage in moderate day travel
• Authorized to work in the US
• Passing of CYFD and any other required entity-specific (e.g. school district) background check

Southwest Family Guidance Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Southwest Family Guidance Center has an opening in Santa Fe/Rio Arriba County for a Community Support Worker.

The Community Support Worker provides CCSS (Comprehensive Community Support Services) to qualifying individuals. The CSW has the primary responsibility for assisting the individual and family in implementing the CCSS service plan, which will enable the development of skills necessary for independent functioning within the community. Community support activities address goals of independent living, learning, working, socializing, and recreation.

Essential Functions:

• Assist the individual and family with implementing the CCSS service plan.
• Coordinate family team meetings and facilitate meetings as needed.
• Develop a psychiatric advance directive.
• Assessment, support, and intervention in crisis situations including the development and use of crisis plan which recognizes the early signs of the individual’s crisis/relapse, use of interpersonal supports, use of alternatives to emergency departments and inpatient services.
• Revise crisis plan over time based on newly identified triggers and what is known to be effective for the individual.
• Conduct individualized interventions; coach in areas such as socialization skills, developmental issues, daily living skills, school and work readiness activities, and education in co-occurring illness.
• Encourage development of natural supports in workplace and school environments.
• Assist in learning symptom monitoring and illness self-management skills.
• Provide support and coaching to the individual to obtain and maintain stable housing.
• Engage the individual in achieving treatment/recovery goals.
• Complete required documentation.
• Attend agency meetings and trainings as required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of 18 years old
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Studies, or related field from an accredited university
• One year of relevant experience with the target population
• Flexible availability, in order to coordinate with client schedules, routine training, supervision, and/or administrative meetings
• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English (Spanish a plus)
• Reliable transportation
• Ability and willingness to engage in moderate day travel
• Authorized to work in the US
• Passing of CYFD and any other required entity-specific (e.g. school district) background check

Southwest Family Guidance Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Do you have a passion for working with children and families? Southwest Family Guidance Center seeking compassionate, dedicated people in Las Cruces and the surrounding area who want to empower youth and families by creating strength-based behavior change that will be sustained long after treatment ends. (During the COVID-19 public health emergency, services may be delivered via telehealth).

Training in the Multisystemic Therapy (MST) model will be provided. Begin working with families, youth, their communities, and other key members of their ecology to implement MST as designed. Extensive research has proven the effectiveness of MST. MST therapists do whatever it takes, via close collaboration with all involved, to address the needs of juveniles with serious criminal offenses and, in some cases, substance abuse. You will empower families to address challenging and/or problematic behavior and to help youth aged 12–17 make life-transforming changes. Treatment progress is made through intensive interventions such as skill building, changing unhelpful family interactions, and increasing social support, to name a few.

For More Information About MST:
www.mstservices.com
MST Program At Southwest Family Guidance Center

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide direct clinical treatment in the home and community using the MST treatment model and principles.
• Conduct a thorough assessment of the client and family: gather information on behaviors of concern and strengths in the family and their ecology to inform conceptualization of the problem behaviors and interactions within the family’s ecological context.
• Continuously work to engage the primary caregiver, family members, supports, and community agency staff (school, probation, child welfare) in change-oriented treatment.
• Dedicate time to weekly case planning and evaluation of case progress, with ongoing support from your supervisor and team members.
• Receive regular training, professional development, supervision, and consultation activities designed to help you acquire extensive clinical skills within the MST treatment model.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or related area.

LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

One or more of the following: LAMFT, LMHC, LADAC, LPCC, LMFT, LISW, LCSW, LMSW

Spanish-speaking preferred.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Southwest Family Guidance Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

* MST TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and current resume to recruiting@swfamily.com.

Do you have a passion for working with children and families? Southwest Family Guidance Center is seeking compassionate, dedicated people in Santa Fe and the surrounding area who want to empower youth and families by creating strength-based behavior change that will be sustained long after treatment ends. (During the COVID-19 public health emergency, services may be delivered via telehealth).

Training in the Multisystemic Therapy (MST) model will be provided. Begin working with families, youth, their communities, and other key members of their ecology to implement MST as designed. Extensive research has proven the effectiveness of MST. MST therapists do whatever it takes, via close collaboration with all involved, to address the needs of juveniles with serious criminal offenses and, in some cases, substance abuse. You will empower families to address challenging and/or problematic behavior and to help youth aged 12–17 make life-transforming changes. Treatment progress is made through intensive interventions such as skill building, changing unhelpful family interactions, and increasing social support, to name a few.

For More Information About MST:
www.mstservices.com
MST Program At Southwest Family Guidance Center

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide direct clinical treatment in the home and community using the MST treatment model and principles.
• Conduct a thorough assessment of the client and family: gather information on behaviors of concern and strengths in the family and their ecology to inform conceptualization of the problem behaviors and interactions within the family’s ecological context.
• Continuously work to engage the primary caregiver, family members, supports, and community agency staff (school, probation, child welfare) in change-oriented treatment.
• Dedicate time to weekly case planning and evaluation of case progress, with ongoing support from your supervisor and team members.
• Receive regular training, professional development, supervision, and consultation activities designed to help you acquire extensive clinical skills within the MST treatment model.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or related area.

LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

One or more of the following: LAMFT, LMHC, LADAC, LPCC, LMFT, LISW, LCSW, LMSW

Spanish-speaking preferred.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Southwest Family Guidance Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

* MST TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and current resume to recruiting@swfamily.com.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of the State, the Behavioral Health Providers Association, and the tireless efforts of our administrative leadership, Southwest Family has adapted to meet the needs of our community during this unprecedented time.

Effective immediately, SWFGC is fully enabled to safely and securely deliver all services via telephone and video conferencing. We are open for referrals and have availability.

Online intake forms are also now available in a safe, encrypted, and secure format.

Please stay safe, and contact me with any questions or special requests.

Please join us for a series of free virtual trainings for kinship guardians, providing support and resources to those who’ve assumed the responsibility of caring for the child(ren) of a friend or relative when the parent is unwilling or unable to do so. Participants do not have to have legal guardianship to attend.

To register, contact Robin Troncoso at (505) 908 1474 or rtroncoso@swfamily.com

VIEW SCHEDULE

NOW HIRING!

Are you a licensed counselor or social worker who enjoys working with children and families? Would you like to work in a supportive and positive professional environment? Southwest Family Guidance Center, a growing and thriving counseling agency in New Mexico, has an opening in Albuquerque to join our team as a Behavioral Health Therapist.

The Therapist provides individual, family, or group psychotherapy and coordinates assessment, treatment planning, and progress with supervisor, including collaboration with other therapists, supervisors and/or stakeholders as appropriate. This includes, but is not limited to: preparation for sessions, consultation with supervisor, professional and ethical facilitation of therapeutic sessions, timely completion of clinical documentation, and active engagement in the supervision process.

DESCRIPTION

• Provide individual, family, or group psychotherapy in a variety of settings (office, school, or community). Use a variety of psychotherapeutic treatment approaches and interventions to change targeted behaviors and stabilize adaptive behaviors with children, adolescents, and their families.
• Continually assess client, utilizing relevant psychiatric, medical, and developmental history as well as incorporating cultural considerations, family, school, and community reports. Utilize this information to make decisions regarding diagnosis (per DSM 5), treatment objectives and/or to provide information and make appropriate referrals to other treatment resources with the agency or community.
• Utilize a client-centered, family-focused, strength-based approach; clarify priority problems and goals for change, to assist client/family in developing appropriate expectations for treatment in relationship to the agency.
• Manage the treatment termination process and discharge planning to enhance clients’ abilities to retain treatment changes and/or use other available support services.
• Maintain appropriate professional files, including: comprehensive psychosocial assessments, diagnostic assessments, progress notes, measurable treatment plan goals and objectives, treatment summaries, discharge summaries, previous treatment records, clients’ consent to current treatment, and authorizations to release records.
• Collect necessary information to bill for services and facilitate fee collection. This includes, without limitation, regularly monitoring client insurance information and eligibility, collecting client co-pays and timely transmit to agency administration, providing timely responses to all requests from agency billing department and/or administration related to the billing for payment of services delivered.
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional licensing board and third-party payor requirements governing the provision of behavioral health services.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling
• Current LMHC, LMFT, LMSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, LCSW, etc. or other license accepted by the State of New Mexico for the provision of counseling or social work
• Knowledge of mental health disorders and treatment methods
• Experience or demonstrated interest in providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and families
• Familiarity with clinical operations and procedures, Medicaid services, and community mental health resources
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and computer skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, and ability to use Electronic Health Record (EHR) system software
• Flexible availability, in order to coordinate with client schedules, routine training, supervision, and/or administrative meetings
• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English (Spanish a plus)
• Reliable transportation
• Ability and willingness to engage in moderate day travel
• Authorized to work in the US
• Passing of CYFD and any other required entity-specific (e.g. school district) background check

BENEFITS

• Flexible schedule
• Competitive pay
• Supportive environment
• Valuable and meaningful work
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Free Professional Development, continuing education credits, and support for Independent Licensure

This is a full-time position. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. Interested candidates may send a resume to Katharine Spehar, HR Manager, at kspehar@swfamily.com.

Southwest Family Guidance Center & Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more than 30 years, MST has consistently demonstrated positive outcomes with chronic juvenile offenders. Based on the program’s success, rigorous randomized trials were conducted to explore the feasibility and effects of adaptations of MST with other target populations. Results have been positive for treating problem sexual behavior, child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, serious emotional disturbances and chronic health care conditions. This document highlights the many areas of MST research and proven outcomes with traditional MST and MST clinical adaptations as well as research on the transport of MST to community practice settings.

Download Complete List Of MST Outcome Studies

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RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
• 62 published outcome, implementation and benchmarking studies
• Yielding more than 120 published, peer-reviewed journal articles
• More than 48,000 families included across all studies
• 25 randomized trials
• 41 of the 62 studies conducted by independent researchers (not involving an MST model developer)
• 16 outcome studies using MST with serious juvenile offenders:
• 11 randomized trials
• 7 independent studies
• 2 international studies
• 12 outcome studies using MST with adolescents with serious conduct problems
• 4 randomized trials
• 11 independent studies
• 6 international studies
• 2 outcome studies with substanceabusing or -dependent juvenile offenders (MST-Substance Abuse)
• 3 outcome studies with juvenile sexual offenders (MST-Problem Sexual Behavior)
• 3 outcome studies with youths presenting serious emotional disturbance (MST-Psychiatric)
• 3 outcome studies with maltreating families (MST-Child Abuse and Neglect)
• 6 outcome studies with adolescents with chronic health care conditions (MST-Health Care)
• 5 independent
• 15 implementation studies
• 11 independent
• 13 treatment process studies
• 10 independent
• 10 cost related studies
• 5 independent

MST RESEARCH DEMONSTRATES
• Long-term re-arrest rates in studies with serious juvenile offenders reduced by median of 42%
• Out-of-home placements, across all MST studies, reduced by a median of 54%
• Improved family functioning
• Decreased substance use among youth
• Fewer mental-health problems for youth
• Higher levels of client satisfaction
• Considerable cost savings

MST’S POSITIVE RESULTS ARE LONG LASTING
A 22-year, follow-up study showed youths who received MST had
• 36% fewer felony arrests
• 75% fewer violent felony arrests
• 33% fewer days incarcerated
• 37% fewer divorce, paternity and child support suits
• 56% fewer felony arrests for siblings

MST has proven the importance of treatment adherence
• High therapist adherence can reduce the number of youth criminal charges by 36 percent
• High supervisor adherence can reduce the number of youth criminal charges by 53 percent
(See publications in Study #11)

MST has been effectively transported to community practice settings
• MST currently has more than 500 active programs.
• Adherence measures demonstrate that MST is being delivered with high levels of fidelity.
• Outcomes in community practice settings are similar to those of university-based trials.

MST theory of change has been supported by treatment process research
• Mediation and qualitative studies have demonstrated the importance of improving family relations as the mechanism to reduce youth antisocial behavior.
(See publications in Studies #8, #22, #26, #29, #31, #39 and #54)

EMDR therapy works with the understanding that the mind, like the body, has the capacity heal. Standing for “Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing,” EMDR is a proven and effective treatment for treating trauma in individuals of all ages.^[1] EMDR addresses all trauma equally, identifying it as any experience that has an ongoing negative impact.

Just as some injuries are too great for the body to recover from without help, some emotional traumas are also too strong. The processing of traumatic experiences can become trapped in a cyclical pattern—a constant reliving of negative emotions. This affliction can sometimes be so great that it begins to dominate and even damage daily life. EMDR therapy is useful to break this pattern in the brain, helping us to learn from negative experiences, and process them in a healthy way.

During an EMDR session, the client recalls painful or disturbing events while engaging in specialized eye movements, while a therapist facilitates learning, coping, and reprocessing the memories. Though this may sound simplistic, numerous studies confirm that EMDR is an effective treatment for all ages and backgrounds, especially when other forms of therapy have proven inadequate.^[2]

EMDR therapy is applied with a three-pronged approach, addressing:

1. THE PAST: to process memories and identify old experiences that are still negatively affecting an individual.
2.  THE PRESENT: to understand current experiences, behaviors and reactions that define day to day life.
3. THE FUTURE: to guide an individual toward positive potential actions and interactions.

If you are interested in learning more about EMDR therapy or think that you or your family could benefit from any of the many programs at Southwest Family Guidance Center, please call (505) 830 1871 and request to speak to a supervisor.

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[1] “Research has shown that about five hours of EMDR treatment eliminates PTSD in 84 to 100 percent of civilians with a single trauma experience, including rape, accident, or disaster. When civilians experience multiple traumas, more treatment is needed. Research indicates that about eight to twelve hours of treatment can result in a 77 to 80 percent elimination of multiple-trauma PTSD in civilians.” —Shapiro and Forrest, 2016.

[2] For more discussion of EMDR therapies, as well as citations for studies attesting to its effectiveness in different populations, please see Shapiro and Forrest, 2016, especially pp. 5-7.

Southwest Family’s Las Cruces MST Team has received the impressive Sustained Excellence Award for Team Adherence. Las Cruces MST therapist, Megan Garcia, was also presented with an Excellence Award for Therapist Adherence.

These awards are presented to only the top 1% of therapists and teams nationwide.

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an evidence-based treatment model that engages both the client directly and the greater social systems they operate within: family, school, work and community. By tailoring treatment to the needs of the client and family, MST Therapists provide individualized care that addresses underlying behavioral issues. More information >

MST Adherence Awards are based on how well the therapist and team are delivering fidelity to the MST Model. Feedback from client families are tracked to measure MST adherence and effectiveness.

Congratulations Las Cruces and Megan for your excellent work—you are an inspiration!

Play therapy isn’t simply entertaining a child and calling it beneficial. It’s a delicate and sophisticated way to diagnose and measure internal emotional dynamics that might not easily be identified though more straightforward clinical approaches.

Play Therapy is a safe, effective and nonjudgmental way for a child to express his or her feelings and experiences. As the therapist engages with the child in play therapy, they allow the child to lead the process. The child begins to unconsciously express what is going on both in their lives and minds. In a play situation, a therapist can identify problematic behaviors by observing how a child interacts in a make-believe scenario. Often, a child will be provided with toys and will act out a scenario, while the therapist can either engage and play a part in the scenario, or simply observe. If, for example, a child creates a troubling or problematic relationship between two toys/characters, this scenario can help a therapist to recognize certain issues and identify how to help the child begin resolving these issues, whether they be violent, abusive, fearful, etc.

By engaging in Play Therapy, a therapist can help a child to improve communication skills, modify troubling behavior, express feelings in a healthy and safe way, and learn to better problem solve and interact with the world around them.^[1]

Play Therapy can help to not only diagnose and understand a child, but also measure their progression. As a child progresses emotionally, parents or teachers may notice the child is doing a lot better, and this change often correlates with a positive change in his/her play. As therapy progresses, the child’s play often shifts to become more age-appropriate and nurturing. For instance, rather than creating an aggressor/victim dynamic, the child may present a scenario where they are taking care of somebody or engaging in a more natural and healthy way.

If you are interested in learning more about play therapy or think that you or your family could benefit from any of the many programs at Southwest Family Guidance Center, please call (505) 830 1871 and request to speak to a supervisor.

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^[1] Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy with children experiencing a wide variety of social, emotional, behavioral, and learning problems, including: children whose problems are related to life stressors, such as divorce, death, relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, assimilate stressful experiences, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, and natural disasters. —Reddy, Files-Hall, & Schaefer, 2005

Southwest Family Guidance Center’s MST-PSB program has received a rare distinction for addressing youth with problem sexual behaviors. Blueprints, a nonprofit evaluator of evidence based programs, with the endorsement of MST Associates (the body who developed and oversees all MST-PSB programs on a nation level), has singled out SWFGC as the first “Model Agency” for the implementation of MST-PSB, embodying a high standard and showing how this important and often sensitive issue can be sustainably addressed. More than 1,400 programs have been reviewed by Blueprints, yet less than 5% have been designated as model or promising programs. We are honored to be the very first Model Agency recognize for MST-PSB, and for having an positive impact within this socially difficult issue.

Multi-Systemic Therapy for Problem Sexual Behavior (MST-PSB) is a state-of-the-art, evidence-based practice developed to address problematic sexual behavior by juveniles. The program embraces the client’s needs and systems in the real world, including at home, at school, and in the community. In 2009 SWFGC was chosen as one of two New Mexico agencies to pilot MST-PSB in New Mexico, and currently has three MST-PSB teams serving Bernalillo, Doña Ana, Sandoval and Valencia counties. There are upwards of 40 MST-PSB teams now up and running internationally. More Information About MST-PSB

Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development is a nonprofit organization that provides a registry of evidence-based, youth development programs designed to promote the health and well-being of children and teens. Blueprints programs are family, school, and community-based and target all levels of need — from broad prevention programs that promote positive behaviors while decreasing negative behaviors, to highly-targeted programs for at-risk children and troubled teens that get them back on track. Blueprints Website

MST Associates is the licensing body for the implementation of MST-PSB, incorporating intensive quality assurance and fidelity measures into all aspects of the treatment delivery system. MST Associates Website

Southwest Family Guidance Center, a growing and thriving counseling agency with offices in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Lunas, and Las Cruces, always accepts resumes for Therapist positions.

Successful candidates must have a current, active counseling or social work license: LADAC, LMHC, LPCC, LAMFT, LMFT, LMSW, LISW, or LCSW. Work will be school-based and/or office-based, with children and young adults ages 5–18 and their families. The ideal candidate can commit to 20+ client contact hours each week.

Required attributes include, but are not limited to, the ability to maintain confidentiality at all times; a proactive work ethic; reliability and dependability; superior written and verbal communication skills; and proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite applications. Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply.

Compensation rates are based on licensure level and will be discussed during the interview.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and current resume to recruiting@swfamily.com.

Current Openings:
MST Therapists Wanted For Bernalillo, Rio Arriba & Valencia Counties
Outpatient Therapist Wanted For Albuquerque
Outpatient Therapist Wanted For Las Cruces

For 3 years, Southwest Family Guidance Center & Institute has partnered with the New Mexico Child Abuse Prevention Partnership (NMCAPP). Because of the work with child abuse issues we perform throughout the state, our agency was awarded the “Precious Gems Award” at NMCAPP’s 2016 Precious Gems Gala. The award recognizes our collaboration with NMCAPP and the Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD), other agencies throughout the state, and for our enduring work in preventing and eliminating child abuse in New Mexico.

We are honored for our recognition and grateful for everyone’s contributions toward this important work. The link below will take you to the New Mexico Child Abuse Prevention Partnership website where you can learn more about this wonderful organization.

http://nmcapp.unm.edu

Does this sound like a typical day for your family? Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast (maybe), feed kids, search for backpacks, pack lunch, find shoes under the couch, run late to school, run late to work, work all day, run errands, pick up kids, soccer practice, forget to pick up dry cleaning, make dinner, homework, bathe kids, put kids to bed, flop on the couch, sigh.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. You are one of the millions of parents juggling multiple commitments and obligations as you do your best to raise your family. And few times of year are more stressful or busy than back to school time. Attunetion can help you manage the back to school blues.

We all know that managing daily stress can lead to happier, more connected families and fewer negative outcomes for our kids. When we feel like we have a handle on life’s daily tasks, we are more able to really TUNE in to what’s going on with our kids. For example, if you’re trying to fold laundry, email your boss and make dinner at the same time, you may miss the failing report card or note from the principle that your child tries to sneak past you. In a world full of distraction and multitasking, it’s so important for parents to STOP and tune in to your kids. And you can only do that when your stress is under control.

The Attunetion Approach can help you get a handle on back to school stress so you can focus on what matters most; the well being of your family!

What is the right thing to pay attention to?

• Ask yourself what was stressful for you and your kids last year. Every family and every child is different. Reflecting on what was hard about last year and how you dealt with it will help prepare you for this year.
• Ask your kids questions. Try asking, “What can I do to help you at homework time?” or ‘What would make the morning less hectic for you?”
• Notice what events and times of day are most stressful for you. If getting out the door in the morning is always a struggle, that’s where you need strategies to manage time and stress.

How can you think about the right time when it comes to back-to-school stress?

• The best time to begin managing stress is NOW! Don’t wait until the stress takes a toll on your family.
• Think about the ages of your children. What are their fears and worries that you need to make time to attend to?
• For a preschooler, they may worry about separation from you, being in a new place, or making friends.
• For a middle school child, they may be nervous about fitting in, peer pressure, or being bullied.
• If you child is in high school, ask them if they are stressed about extra-curricular activities, tests or college applications.

Five easy tips to manage back-to-school stress:

• Get ready for school the night before by making lunches, packing backpacks and laying out clothes.
• Make time to take care of yourself! Take a walk, a bath, or meet a friend for lunch.
• Make a family calendar. Post it in the kitchen and update regularly so everyone knows what’s going on.
• Share duties with other parents. Take turns picking kids up or taking them to practice.
• When your kids get home from school, set aside 20 minutes for a snack, a walk around the block, and ask how their day was before jumping in to homework.
  Bottom line: You’ll get though the back to school transition! Listen to yourself and your family, be confident in your parenting and remember to pay Attunetion!

As we all know, bullying has become an epidemic, a hot topic, a buzz word. We have all seen the heart-breaking news stories of young people committing suicide to escape the shame, anger, isolation and fear that they have experienced as a result of incessant bullying at school and online. For most of us, we count ourselves lucky that no one we know has paid such a tragic price for being different or being picked on. But for a lot of us, we know someone, even if it is ourselves, who has been deeply and permanently affected by bullying, whether it took place last week or 30 years ago.

So many parents have been asking me how to talk to their kids about bullying. For some parents, they are struggling to support a child that is being teased and exploited every day and no longer wants to attend school. For others, they are trying to understand how their child has become a bully and searching for ways to put a stop to it.

While I could devote many pages to these delicate topics, I’d like to share just a few thoughts and suggestions to parents, educators, clinicians, and all the adults out there who interact with our youth.

When talking to a young person about bullying:

DO: Listen. Listening is the most simple, yet most powerful way to connect to another person. By letting the child tell you their thoughts, experiences and feelings, they begin to feel understood and connected.

DO: Ask questions. Use open ended questions to help your child verbalize difficult thoughts and feelings. “What is that like for you?” “What do you think might make a difference?” “How can I help you?”

DO: Listen again! More most of life’s problems, a loving person’s full attention makes such a difference. The more you listen, the more your kids will share, the better equipped you are to help them.

DON’T: Rush. Rushing through a conversation tells your child that you don’t really have time to devote to this. If they feel rushed, they will tell you less and you have less of a chance of making a difference.

DON’T: Dismiss. It’s tempting to tell our kids that things will get better, we’ve all been there, and to just ignore the bully. The truth is none of those statements make your child feel heard and understood. Be willing to sit in the pain and discomfort with them and acknowledge that it is real.

DON’T: React. Calling the offender’s parents or storming into school threatening to sue them will shut your kid down immediately. Most kids don’t tell adults about bullying because they fear embarrassment and retaliation. And by reacting out of anger and panic, your are not modeling good decision making skills for your child.

Now, I know this all sounds so easy and the truth is that for parents navigating the world of bullies and victims, there is NOTHING easy about it. But it certainly won’t make things worse to stop, tune in to your child and ask yourself what’s most important. You might be surprised how, through listening and reflection, the right thing to do will naturally emerge.