Careers and Internships

Current Employment Opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Family & Children’s Service provides equal opportunity employment to all employees and applicants for positions with the organization. No individual will be discriminated against in application, hiring or employment on the basis of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity or nationality, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status.  Additionally, Family & Children’s Service’s policies and practices in application, hiring and employment are developed to be consistent with all applicable local, state and federally mandated obligations imposed through regulation or statute, which govern employment practices. This policy applies to all agency positions.

 

Benefits offered by Family and Children’s Service:

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday schedule.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage options for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Option to create a hybrid office/home work schedule.
  • Pre-tax savings options: FSA, self-funded; HSA, employer contribution (depending on medical plan participation.
  • Enhanced Short Term Disability, Free Basic Life and AD&D.
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contributions after one year of employment.

Title: Billing Specialist
Department: Billing
Status: Full- Time, non-exempt (37.5 hours/week); Eligible for hybrid remote/in person work
Responsible To: Finance Director
Starting Annual Salary: $50,000

General Summary: We are seeking a Billing Specialist who will be responsible for collecting, posting and managing account payments; submitting claims and following up with insurance companies; ensuring all client payments and fee structures are reported accurately; and ensuring the accurate depiction of all outstanding accounts receivable balances.

Click for Full Job Description

Responsibilities:

  • Claims Processing: Prepare and submit insurance claims for mental health services, ensuring all necessary information and documentation is included.
  • Verify insurance coverage and eligibility for clients and follow up on any claims-related issues.
  • Billing and Invoicing: Generate invoices and statements for clients detailing services rendered and any applicable co-pays or deductibles.
  • Monitor accounts receivable and follow up on outstanding balances, negotiating payment plans as necessary.
  • Coding and Documentation: Accurately assign diagnostic and procedure codes (e.g., ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, and CPT codes) to patient records and claims.
  • Review clinical documentation to ensure it supports the services billed and complies with insurance requirements.
  • Compliance: Stay up-to-date with relevant healthcare billing regulations and insurance company policies to ensure compliance.
  • Ensure adherence to patient confidentiality and HIPAA regulations in all aspects of the job.
  • Payment Posting: Post payments and adjustments to patient accounts, reconcile with insurance payments and resolve discrepancies.
  • Denials Management: Investigate and resolve claim denials by insurance companies, writing appeals, follow up with insurance reps, and resubmit claims when necessary.  Collaborate with healthcare providers to gather additional information to support claims.
  • Reporting: Prepare and maintain billing reports and records for tracking billing activities, revenue, and collections.
  • Provide regular reports to management on the financial health of the mental health facility.
  • Customer Service: Address billing inquiries and concerns from clients, insurance companies, and healthcare providers professionally and helpfully.
  • Available for general client/guest/clinician support.
  • Always respect client dignity and confidentiality.
  • Maintain HIPAA compliance.
  • Maintain a welcoming, professional manner and appearance with all clients—team-based communication.
  • Documentation according to established procedures and channels of communication
  • Communication with clinicians per established procedures.
  • Active participation as an administrative support team member via daily communication and weekly meetings.
  • Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:   

  • High school diploma or equivalent (Associate degree in a related field is a plus). Billing/Coding Certification is a plus.
  • Previous experience in healthcare billing, particularly in mental health services.
  • Proficiency in medical billing software and electronic health records (EHR) systems.
  • Understanding of both UB-04 and 1500-claim form and billing regulations.
  • Understanding how to read remittance advice, CARC, and RARC definitions.
  • Understanding of NCCI and MUE edits.  Knowledge of insurance contracts and expected reimbursement.
  • Knowledge of Medical coding, CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS.
  • Familiarity with insurance verification and claims processing procedures.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients and colleagues effectively.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation.
  • Understanding of healthcare compliance regulations, particularly HIPAA.
  • Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to address billing-related issues.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

 

Requirements:

  • The ability to work well independently and on a team, to collaborate well with other organizations, advisory groups, staff and the public.
  • Commitment to an organizational culture that centers the importance of diversity, equity, and cultural responsiveness and that contributes to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Title: Child  Family Clinician
Department: Mental Health Clinic
Status: Full- Time, Non-Exempt; Eligible for hybrid remote/in person work (Part-Time positions also available)
Responsible To: Director of Clinical Services
Starting Salary: $50,000

General Summary:

We are currently seeking a full time child and family therapist to join our dynamic clinical team in providing high quality, client-centered, affordable psychotherapy services in a supportive and collaborative work environment.  The person selected for this position will have a caseload that consists primarily of youth (the full age range under 18) and their families; however, there will be some opportunity to diversify a caseload with clients of other ages if desired.  The successful candidate for this position will have experience assessing and treating youth and families with significant behavioral and emotional challenges,  and the corresponding interpersonal and systemic issues that arise from these. They will also demonstrate readiness to work in an inclusive agency culture specifically committed to anti-racist practices in all facets of service.

We offer professional development opportunities in the form of weekly clinical supervision (twice weekly for new staff), weekly clinical team meetings, reimbursement and leave time for outside trainings, and periodic in-house CEU-eligible staff presentations.   We strive to maintain busy but manageable caseloads, for the dual purpose of quality of client care and staff resiliency. Our clientele comes from all segments of Tompkins County, giving our therapists the opportunity to have diverse clinical experiences in terms of clinical presentation, functional ability, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, educational background, and racial and ethnic identity.  We are a NYS Office of Mental Health licensed clinic, as well as a national health services corps approved site (NHSC).

Part time positions may be available; please inquire regardless of desired number of hours. This position will be primarily in person; however hybrid arrangements will be considered as long as they are in line with current client demand for care.

 

Click for Full Job Description

Responsibilities:

Candidates must possess a master’s or doctorate degree in a mental health field, with preference given to those with a NY license enabling them to practice independently.  Our ideal candidate would have a minimum of two years of post-master’s experience providing therapy to children and teens in an outpatient setting.   Candidates must be able build rapport with clientele who are diverse in their race, culture, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and abilities.

Contact Information: Please email a cover letter and resume to

Attn:  cmccarter@fcsith.org
Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca
127 W. State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Responsibilities:

Candidates must possess a master’s or doctorate degree in a mental health field, with preference given to those with a NY license enabling them to practice independently.  Our ideal candidate would have a minimum of two years of post-master’s experience providing therapy to children and teens in an outpatient setting.   Candidates must be able build rapport with clientele who are diverse in their race, culture, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and abilities.

Contact Information: Please email a cover letter and resume to

Attn:  cmccarter@fcsith.org
Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca
127 W. State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Title: Annual Fund & Grants Manager
Department: Development
Status: Full- Time, Non-Exempt; Eligible for hybrid remote/in person work
Responsible To: Director of Development
Starting Salary: $48,000 – $52,000

General Summary:

The Annual Fund & Grants Manager plays a role in building strong relationships and ties between the agency’s supporters and F&CS.

  •  Annual Fund: Designs, implements and supports all direct mail fundraising and stewardship, including ensuring that appeal goals and objectives are met. Manage other annual giving tactics including a monthly donors program.
  • Grants Management: Creates and manages all foundation & corporate grant applications, including researching potential new funders.
  • Data Management: Maintains and manages our fundraising database, Raiser’s Edge.

Click for Full Job Description

Responsibilities:

Annual Fund Program Management (30%)

  • Oversee the execution of four annual fund solicitation mailings a year, including preparing mailing lists for review, prepares and processes all mailings for delivery to printer, mail house or post office and ensures all mailings leave on schedule from assigned vendor
  • Create and implement an email solicitation strategy to support our direct mail program.
  • Create and manage a robust monthly giving program.
  • Prepare other solicitations and/or invitations for personal signatures; coordinate with board and volunteers who participate in letter signing

Grant Program Management (30%)

  • Serve as primary grant-writer for local, area, and foundation grants.
  • Write progress reports for grantors as required, collecting data from program and finance staff.
  • In partnership with the Executive Director, Director of Development and program staff, steward and cultivate relationships with local funders.
  • Maintain annual grants calendar for application dates and report due dates.
  • Identify and research new grant opportunities and/or coordinate with grant consultant, particularly for state & federal opportunities.

Database Management (30%)

  • Manage the daily operation of the database (Raiser’s Edge) to enter and track gift/financial and biographical information on friends and donors.
  • Ensure all gifts are recorded in Raiser’s Edge, and acknowledgements are prepared in an accurate and timely manner based on documented procedures.
  • Ensure all donor notes, biographical updates and contact reports provided by Executive Director are accurately recorded in the database according to procedures.
  • Review mailing lists, donor recognition and other details for all print materials and other communication for accuracy.
  • Maintain efficient systems for data cleansing, data entry, gift processing, prospect research, data analysis, and relationship management.
  • Establish documentation that outlines the database, the processes, and queries to facilitate common understanding of the system.
  • Provide support to staff to help develop and administer correct system processes and tickler reporting for solicitations.
  • Assist staff in developing reports associated with goal setting and the monitoring and evaluation of progress towards those goals.
  • Coordinate data importing/exporting for prospect research purposes.
  • Meet weekly with the Finance Manager to reconcile gifts received with our accounting system.
  • Serve as the point person to coordinate future data conversions/upgrades as needed.
  • Maintain hard copy and electronic filing systems as needed.
    Other duties as assigned (10%)
  • Engage positively with donors, potential donors, visitors, and volunteers and document contacts and information in Raiser’s Edge as appropriate.
  • Attending and participating in community and agency events as needed
  • May be called upon to present at the agency board meeting on recent or upcoming development, event or nominating committee meetings
  • May be asked to serve on boards and committees with partner organizations
  • Proof reading appeals and materials as required

Qualifications

  • Demonstrated excellent communication (written and oral), project management, attention to detail, and time management skills are required.
  • Candidates must have proficiency with common computer software, e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, along with the ability to effectively learn CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge (our donor database).
  • Experience with annual fundraising programs, such as direct mail and personal solicitation programs strongly preferred (1-2 years) but transferable skills will be considered.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a dynamic team environment. This position requires the ability to work effectively/cooperatively with colleagues, volunteers, and organizational leadership, and experience in volunteer management is highly preferred.
  • For events, the position requires working hours that flex or exceed the standard and normal work week immediately prior, during and after agency events.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Family & Children’s Services.
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred but relevant experience will be considered.

Contact information: Please email a cover letter and resume to: Michelle Thevenin, Director of Development mthevenin@fcsith.org

Responsibilities:

Candidates must possess a master’s or doctorate degree in a mental health field, with preference given to those with a NY license enabling them to practice independently.  Our ideal candidate would have a minimum of two years of post-master’s experience providing therapy to children and teens in an outpatient setting.   Candidates must be able build rapport with clientele who are diverse in their race, culture, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and abilities.

Contact Information: Please email a cover letter and resume to

Attn:  cmccarter@fcsith.org
Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca
127 W. State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Title: Psychiatric Provider
Department: Mental Health Clinic
Status: Full time and part time positions available
Responsible To: Director of Clinical Services
Hourly Rate: Commensurate with licensure and experience

General Summary:

We are currently seeking a psychiatric provider to join our dynamic clinical team in providing high quality, client-centered, affordable mental health services in a supportive and collaborative work environment via in person and telehealth modalities.  The successful candidate for this position will have experience assessing and treating individuals with mental illness and the corresponding interpersonal and systemic challenges that come with that. They will also demonstrate readiness to work in an inclusive agency culture specifically committed to anti-racist practices in all facets of service.

We strive to maintain busy but manageable caseloads, for the dual purpose of quality of client care and staff resiliency. Our clientele comes from all segments of Tompkins County, giving our psychiatric providers the opportunity to have diverse clinical experiences in terms of clinical presentation, functional ability, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, educational background, and racial and ethnic identity.  We are a NYS Office of Mental Health licensed clinic, as well as a national health services corps approved site (NHSC). We also offer professional development opportunities in the form of monthly psychiatric case consultation meetings, monthly psychiatric administrative team meetings, monthly all clinic staff meetings, periodic in-house staff presentations and ad hoc case conferences/consultations.

Click for Full Job Description

Requirements:
Candidates must possess a MD or PMHNP, with preference given to those with a NY license enabling them to practice independently.  Candidates must be able build rapport with clientele who are diverse in their race, culture, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and abilities. Our ideal candidate would have experience treating individual across the lifespan, though there is room for specialization within the child, adult, and/or geriatric mental health segments of the population.

F&CS is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and, in that spirit, actively encourages applications from members of groups whose exclusion from the mental health field has been longstanding.  No individual will be discriminated against in application, hiring or employment on the basis of race, age, culture, ability, ethnicity or nationality, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status.

Contact Information:
Please send a resume and cover letter to the address or email listed below:
Attn: Dr. Alecia Sundsmo, Director of Clinical Services
asundsmo@fcsith.org

Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca
127 W. State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

Title: Finance Manager
Department: Finance
Status: Full- Time, Non-Exempt (37.5 hours/week); Eligible for hybrid remote/in person work
Responsible To: Finance Director
Starting Salary: $55,000

General Summary:

When you join Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca (F&CS) as the Finance Manager, you will ensure that the Board, Management Team, and Program Leaders all have a clear understanding of not only the current financial picture but also the main drivers of financial changes observed within the agency.  You will support the Finance Assistant/Bookkeeper in routine financial operations and will be supported by the Director of Finance. Your work will help ensure that decisions at all levels are made based on correct and up-to-date information and with a good understanding of the agency’s overall financial health. Specifically, the Finance Manager will take the lead in the following areas: routine finance operations, payroll and benefits, and grants.

Click for Full Job Description

Key Deliverables & Responsibilities:

  • Approach work with a customer service lens.
  • Oversee organizational payroll functions, including the accurate and timely processing of all payroll and employee benefit payments, reviewing W-2s for accuracy and generating all 1099s, answering staff questions/concerns about payroll, reconciling benefits bills and deductions, collaborating with Human Resources to support leaves management, monitoring FLSA/living wage requirements and recommending adjustments as necessary, driving the time study process and reallocating as needed, and generating and tracking raise profiles.
  • Facilitates administration of all public and private grants.
  • Completes month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing entries, account reconciliations and G/L analysis.
  • Prepares regular financial reports.
  • Prepares for multiple annual audits, including a financial audit, a NYS CFR (consolidated fiscal report) audit, and the annual worker’s compensation audit.
  • Reconcile the bank accounts with our medical billing system and donor database.
  • Reconcile key budget items to actual performance to explain the variances.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High degree of numeracy and comfort with Excel
  • Experience with payroll and benefits
  • Experience with month and year end closing and financial reporting
  • Experience with financial reporting
  • Experience with reconciliations
  • Familiarity and experience with QuickBooks and/or other accounting software
  • Strong customer services skills
  • Discretion, judgment, and attention to detail
  • Commitment to learning about and practicing anti-racist strategies related to mental healthcare and the workplace

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with SQL or computer programming
  • Demonstrated competency in improving processes

Contact information: Please email a cover letter and resume to: Jeff Turney, Director of Finance, at jturney@fcsith.org. In the cover letter, please specifically address relevant experience as it pertains to minimum qualifications and any additional qualifications, and reasons for your interest in this particular position.

Clinical Internships

 

We will be accepting applications for internships in our mental health clinic for the 2024-2025 school year from 2/1/24 – 2/16/24!

For students in programs that require two internships, such as many traditional MSW programs, our site is only appropriate for a second year internship. For programs with a different structure, we will consider applications on a case by case basis. We do generally get far more applications than we can accommodate. Ideal candidates would be interested in a broad based experience that would provide exposure to working with a wide range of ages and issues, including children, teens and adults of all ages.

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter to Judy Clay, Lead Clinical Supervisor, Manager of Client Care, at jclay@fcsith.org. In your cover letter, please address why you think a placement with us would be beneficial both for you and for the agency. We will try to respond promptly to applications, and will interview the candidates who feel like the best fit. Thanks for your interest! We look forward to reading your application materials.

F&CS accepts graduate students in mental health disciplines (social work, mental health counseling) for clinical internships.  (Psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and creative arts therapist trainees should inquire- availability may vary.) Mental Health Counseling Students: We are able to host students who wish to perform their practicum and internship at the same site successively, however we do not host practicum only students.

We require a two semester minimum commitment. Applications for the Fall-Spring semesters should be submitted in March of the previous academic year.  Students who are interested in an alternate start date are encouraged to inquire for availability. Students should be aware that typically our site requires more than the minimum weekly hours required by most programs to meet the required face to face hours components. Internship hours are scheduled during business hours only.

In our clinical internship, students will work with an identified caseload of individual psychotherapy clients. There may be opportunities to work with groups, and with our EAP or intake services. Students receive at least weekly individual supervision, group supervision, and access to staff trainings and professional development.

Strong preference is given to students with previous human service experience, and those looking to develop skills working with underserved populations, particularly older adults and young children.