Economic growth helps keep Hattiesburg's unemployment rate low

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The places you eat, shop and live are all part of a bigger picture.

As the city of Hattiesburg continues to grow, so do its demands.

One of the city's newest businesses is Vie Pilates Studio.

Very much like a Pilates class, the city of Hattiesburg started small with its progress years ago.

"They kind of understand and already have that foundation and know what they're doing, and we can progress and build on that," said Lindsey Massey, owner and instructor at Vie Pilates studio.

Massey's new business is just one example of growth in Hattiesburg as businesses expand all the way down Highway 98.

Putting an exact number on the amount of businesses coming in and out of the area is always hard to do," said Todd Jackson, vice president of the Area Development Partnership. "What we do know is that we have over $400 million worth of projects either recently announced or under construction or recently opened, which is always amazing. So job growth in a positive direction, continued new investment that wasn't in the community before.

The ADP said the Hattiesburg labor force consists of approximately 70,000 people in the metropolitan area.

That number continues to grow, meaning the unemployment rate continues to slow.

The local labor market has added about 400 jobs over the last year, which is in-between a half and one percent," Jackson said. "Somewhere in that ballpark, but it's going in a positive direction, and that's what you always want to see.

Vie opened on Hwy 98 in November.

Although the studio currently has only two teachers, they recently started teacher training. Most of the people in that class are expected to work right here in Hattiesburg.

If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would ever have opened a business, I would have said, 'No, I would never do that,' " Massey said. "But I felt very called to do this, and I'm really passionate about it.

According to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, so far in 2025, Forrest County has an average unemployment rate of 3.7%, and Lamar County is at 3.3%.

Both counties are below the national average of 4%, and only a portion of those figures reflect the city of Hattiesburg.

This metro area continues to lead the state of Mississippi in job growth each year," Jackson said. "At one point last year, the Hattiesburg metro area was ranked as number one in the nation, with the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 1.7 percent.

The ADP said elected officials and a healthy business community are to thank for the consistently low unemployment rates, and a lot like Pilates, if you keep doing what works, the results will follow.

At the end of the day, this isn't just a college town," Jackson said. "This is a vibrant college city with a lot of great things going on, and thankfully, we've got everybody here in the community kind of moving in the same direction, working together to make good things happen.

The ADP said the city is preparing for another workforce increase as many college students return to town looking for jobs.

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Around 33,000 jobs lost in June in hiring 'slowdown'

More than 30,000 jobs were lost during the month of June as companies begin what many are viewing as a hiring 'slowdown,' according to a new report.

Private employers shed 33,000 jobs, with the losses most concentrated among professional and business services, education and health services, ADP's new national employment report found.

One expert told newsrealtime it's a "troubling sign."

Why It Matters

In recent years, the job market has pushed toward a candidate-driven market, with employees likely to change jobs and submit resignations in pursuit of higher salaries and more opportunities work-life balance flexibility.

However, the data shows that the tide might be turning, with a surge in layoffs in the tech and retail sectors. A study from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas (CGC) reported that June job cuts marked the highest total for a three-month period since 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when 1.2 million jobs were lost.

What To Know

The hiring slowdown may be due to employers adjusting their course after strong job gains earlier in the year.

Small businesses may especially be feeling the strain, as these businesses with 1 to 19 employees saw a decline of 29,000 jobs and those with 20 to 49 employees cut 18,000 jobs, according to the report.

Meanwhile, large corporations, defined as those with 500 employees or more, added 30,000 jobs.

Industry-wise, professional and business services declined by 56,000 jobs, while education and health services decreased by 52,000. Leisure, hospitality, and manufacturing saw gains ranging between 15,000 and 32,000.

The new data could signify that the job market is cooling but not collapsing entirely, experts say.

With hiring slowing, even with the job losses concentrated in a few sectors, the data is a "troubling sign," according to Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin.

"The unemployment rate has been one of the longstanding positive signs for the economy over the last few years, even as Americans faced inflationary pressures on all ends. The key factor to blame is uncertainty," Beene said.

Given the recent upheaval in economic policy with everything from tariffs to potential cuts to programs, employers are concerned about what the next year will look like, and that concern is unfortunately manifested in both cutting positions and not refilling roles as employees leave or retire.

What People Are Saying

Nela Richardson, chief economist at ADP, said in the report: "Though layoffs continue to be rare, a hesitancy to hire and a reluctance to replace departing workers led to job losses last month. Still, the slowdown in hiring has yet to disrupt pay growth."

Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings podcast, said news realtime : This report doesn't indicate a slowdown; we're already in one. The bigger question is, why is the stock market ignoring it?

"This market isn't tied to economic fundamentals anymore. It's being propped up by a small group of mega-cap tech names. Just five companies—what I call 'TAANG'—now make up over 22% of the S&P 500 index. The broader economy may be slowing, but these few stocks are distorting the overall picture."

Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com , told newsrealtime : 33,000 jobs lost isn't catastrophic, but it's the direction that's got my attention. Like when your car starts making that weird noise. It might be nothing, but your gut tells you it isn't a good sign.

So why are we seeing this? Companies got spooked. They're reading the same headlines we are. Inflation lingering, the Fed playing hardball with interest rates due to tariffs, consumers tightening their belts. When CEOs get nervous, the first thing they do? Hit the brakes on hiring. It's Corporate 101: when you're not sure what's coming, you batten down the hatches.

What Happens Next

Ryan said the job market still remains strong despite the slowdown, with unemployment at a historic low of 4.2 percent for May.

"But what we're seeing is this shift from 'hire everyone with a pulse' to 'let's be a little more selective.' Companies are getting pickier, taking their time, really thinking through each hire."

It could be a "warning shot" for the broader economy, Ryan said.

"What I tell people is this: if you're job hunting right now, don't panic, but do adjust your expectations. It might take a little longer, you might need to be a bit more flexible, but good people are still getting hired," Ryan said.

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"The ones suffering." Federal cuts hit NC program that helps seniors get jobs

For Gaston County resident Diane Monico, a federal funding cut took away her grocery money.

My budget's going to be tight," she said. "If I have food, I have food. If I don't, I don't.

Monico is one of 1,054 people in North Carolina employed by the Senior Community Services Employment Program—a federal initiative placing disadvantaged adults aged 55 and older into part-time community service assignments.

Nearly 50,000 workers employed through the SCSEP program across the country were furloughed Tuesday. Funding is delayed until the U.S. Department of Labor releases grant documents for the program year, which was set to begin July 1. And it's not just North Carolina. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development sent a similar message to its seniors, stating that SCSEP participants cannot receive unemployment benefits and that job seekers cannot report to their training site to even volunteer. Ball State Daily News reported.

"NCDHHS is in regular communication with our federal partners and hopeful we will receive the funds for this critical program that serves one of North Carolina's most vulnerable populations," the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said in an emailed statement to The Charlotte Observer.

NC seniors unemployment

Seniors generally have a lower unemployment rate than younger people—1.6% in North Carolina compared to 3.5% nationally—because many are retired or have more experience with their employer and thus are less likely to be laid off.

But these "headline numbers" don't account for the small population of seniors who are currently having trouble finding a job, said Andrew Berger-Gross, an economist for the North Carolina Department of Labor.

"There are a lot of older people that are in very happy and successful careers. There are a lot of older people who are very happily retired," he said. "But there's also a group that are out there looking for work, and we can't forget about those folks."

To participate in SCSEP, a senior must be unemployed and have a family income not exceeding 125% of the federal poverty level.

Gaston Hope in Christ Ministries

Through the program, Monico worked for Gaston Hope in Christ Ministries, which just finished its 25th year providing free after-school tutoring for elementary school students. The nonprofit is currently in the swing of its summer program, offering leadership and service project opportunities for 2nd to 11th graders.

The ministry first registered with the program in 2016 and currently employs three SCSEP seniors. Monico's husband works as a janitor, while she and her coworker both work as assistants to the after-school and summer programs.

Through SCSEP, employees also received workshops and training as " a bridge to unsubsidized employment opportunities. Last year, Monico and her coworker took computer classes.

"We're having to scramble to figure out how we're going to cover them, and what we're going to do to our schedule and the things we will and will not be able to do without these wonderful folks," ministry director Joe Bell said.

He said it will cost $3,000 out-of-pocket to fund the three SCSEP positions through the rest of the summer, which would be a "huge hit" for the ministry.

"It's really hitting home for us," Bell said. "We had our meeting this morning, and I don't know if we'll have another meeting."

The email from an SCSEP provider emphasized that the SCSEP furlough is "a temporary pause in program services."

But the program is part of The Older Americans Act, a federal law enacted in 1965 to assist senior Americans in living independently. The Trump administration's proposed 2026 budget for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services would also significantly cut other senior assistance programs. according to the National Council on Aging .

"Congress is trying to just, I don't know, do away with the seniors. They're cutting everything up with seniors," Monico said. "My thing is - the seniors are the ones suffering."

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13 'recession-proof' jobs that can pay over $50,000—and don't require a bachelor's degree

In an uncertain job market clouded by recession fears Many workers are concerned about finding stable jobs.

A new study From the resume builder LiveCareer, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, has identified 13 'recession-proof' careers with strong salaries, opportunities for growth, and job security — no bachelor's degree required.

Each role provides an annual median salary of at least $50,000. All are projected to grow by at least 4% through 2032, and applicants only need an associate degree or postsecondary certificate to qualify.

"These are the types of jobs that we see growing, not stalling," says Jasmine Escalera, career expert at LiveCareer. Escalera also describes many of the jobs on the list as "AI-proof," because the work requires "human-based skills" such as communication and problem solving.

"There's a lot of anxiety and fear around AI taking over jobs, but there are still a lot of industries and a lot of positions where that is likely never going to be the case," she says.

Here are 13 careers that offer job security and growth, even during uncertain economic times.

1. Occupational therapy assistants

Median salary: $50,000 to $74,999

Required education: Associate degree

2. Firefighters

Median salary: $50,000 to $74,999

Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award

3. Diagnostic medical sonographers

Median salary: $75,000 to $99,999

Required education: Associate degree

4. Medical records specialists

Median salary: $50,000 to $74,999

Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award

5. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses

Median salary: $50,000 to $74,999

Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award

6. Radiologic technologists and technicians

Median salary: $75,000 to $99,999

Required education: Associate degree

7. Respiratory therapists

Median salary: $75,000 to $99,999

Required education: Associate degree

8. Dental hygienists

Median salary: $75,000 to $99,999

Required education: Associate degree

9. Massage therapists

Median salary: $50,000 to $74,999

Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award

10. Physical therapist assistants

Median salary: $50,000 to $74,999

Required education: Associate degree

11. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers

Median salary: $50,000 to $74,999

Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award

12. Computer network support specialists

Median salary: $50,000 to $74,999

Required education: Associate degree

13. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Median salary: $50,000 to $74,999

Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award

None of these jobs require a "traditional educational background," Escalera says.

Hiring managers are looking for employees who are able to master "new skill sets and expand beyond the role." These careers also allow employees the chance "to spread out and learn," she says, and to network. .

"It gives the opportunity for people who aren't really interested in that traditional path to really have an eye-opening experience," she says. "There are interesting, exciting positions out there."

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BUCKSCO Careers: Freedom Village at Brandywine

Find your Freedom Village career at Freedom Village at Brandywine , a Life Plan Community in West Brandywine , which has served seniors for more than 25 years.

Freedom Village provides active senior living with resort-inspired services, amenities, social activities, chef-prepared cuisine and onsite care that includes personal care, skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation services.

Join their team as you plan your Freedom Village career.

Freedom Village is currently hiring for several positions :

Plant Operations Technician

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the overall upkeep of residential apartments and public areas through responsive, accurate, and efficient maintenance.

This will be accomplished through the performance of simple tasks that require the application of general maintenance and repair techniques, materials, tools, and equipment.

The Maintenance Tech serves as a member of the Maintenance team, responsible for the physical condition of all buildings on campus. This position requires a rotating weekend on-call phone.

Requirements for this position include:

• Must possess a working knowledge of residential building maintenance, including but not limited to plumbing, electrical systems, flooring, and appliances.
• Must be able to effectively communicate and work with residents and staff.
• Must function under general supervision.
• Can create a warm, friendly, and caring impression at first glance.
• Able to communicate effectively with residents, families, staff, and visitors.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

Benefits for this position include:

• Scholarships and Educational Assistance Programs.
• Extraordinary Reward Points.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• Highly competitive occupancy and sales bonus program.
• A Monthly All-Staff Free Lunch Friday.
• Various employee-led committees.
• A Free and Confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Training, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability, (401)K Retirement.
• Freedom Village Brandywine has partnered with Daily Pay to give team members control over accessing their paycheck on their own schedule.

Learn more about the Plant Operations Technician Position.

Activities Assistant

Freedom Village at Brandywine is recruiting for a Life Enrichment Coordinator. In this role, you will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating meaningful activities appropriate to the needs and interests of residents and conducive to their physical, mental, and social well-being. This role is part-time, 24 hours each week.

Daily responsibilities for this position:

• Assist the Director of Life Enrichment with planning, scheduling, and coordinating all resident activities, including special events, following the Life Enrichment programs (Lifestyles and Health Services, Embrace the World, Ambassador, and Heartfelt Connections Memory Care Program) on a monthly basis.
• Promote a healthy community culture for all residents and employees.
• Provide individual and group educational opportunities for residents and staff in the area of disease prevention and management, in the holistic spirit of the Lifestyle and Health Services Wellness Program.
• Lead daily resident activities according to community standards.
• Assist with preparing and distributing monthly calendars according to the Community standards.
• Plan and execute diverse and engaging programs to meet the needs of a diverse resident population, including newly retired seniors seeking a carefree lifestyle, seniors in need of physical assistance, and seniors in varying stages of memory loss.

Qualifications for this position:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• An associate's degree is preferred.
• Six (6) months of experience working with seniors in activities/life enrichment preferred.

Many roles in the community may require that we ask about your vaccination status. This could include MMR, chicken pox, hepatitis, flu, and COVID-19 vaccine status. Please note that all employees are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or apply for and receive an approved exemption as a condition of employment.

Learn more about the Activities Assistant Position.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Freedom Village is seeking full-time and part-time CNAs to join its skilled nursing clinical team. There are openings in the evening shift from 3 PM to 11 PM. The starting pay range for this position is $18/hr, with exceptional shift differentials available as well.

Freedom Village is currently offering a $500 sign-on bonus!

It is seeking compassionate Certified Nursing Assistants with a strong desire to provide excellent care to residents living in the skilled nursing facility.

Responsibilities for this position include:

• Assisting residents with dressing, grooming, eating, bathing, positioning, turning, toileting, and exercising.
• Provide treatments, perform tests, carry out procedures, and collect specimens as directed.
• Report and record observations and results of treatments, tests, procedures, and specimens when indicated.
• Transfer, transport, and escort residents as needed.
• Respond to signal lights promptly.
• Change bed linens, make beds, and keep rooms clean and orderly
• Work as a member of the team.
• Getting along well with co-workers.
• Accepting change in a positive manner.

Qualifications for this position include:

• Successful completion of a state-approved geriatric nursing assistant training program. Prior geriatric long-term care (LTC) nursing aide experience is preferred. Registration with the State registry is required.
• Excellent knowledge of emergency response and first aid (CPR).
• Willingness to comply with health and safety regulations.
• Respectful and compassionate.
• Good time management skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ethics.
• Physical endurance.
• Can create a warm, friendly, and caring impression at first glance.
• Able to communicate effectively with residents, families, staff, and visitors.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Able to pass a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.

Benefits for this position include:

• Freedom Village at Brandywine has partnered with Daily Pay to give team members control over accessing their paycheck on their own schedule.
• Scholarships and Educational Assistance Programs.
• Extraordinary Reward Points.
• Comprehensive benefits.
• A Monthly All-Staff Free Lunch Friday.
• Various Employee-led Committees.
• A Free and Confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid Training, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability, (401)K Retirement.

Learn more about the Certified Nursing Assistant Position.

Learn about a career at Freedom Village and view all the positions available at Freedom Village at Brandywine.

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DELCO Careers: The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth

Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1983, The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth is an entrepreneurial social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and communities.

Headquartered in Audubon , TLC operates across multiple states, providing K-12 alternative education, comprehensive mental and behavioral health services, coaching, counseling, and trauma-informed training.

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth collaborates with school districts, universities, hospitals, police departments, and nonprofit organizations, offering consultation services to secure federal and state grant funding.

Here are a few of the staff positions currently available at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth:

Licensed School-based Counselor/Social Worker

The School-based Counselor/Social Worker provides early intervention therapy and counseling services in a designated school district, as well as case management and mental health support services at the school and in the homes of at-risk students.

Additionally, they offer consultation services to school personnel, liaison support to community agencies, and training programs for both school and community populations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide case management for students and families requiring multiple resources.

• Provide home-based services to the families of students who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing trauma, including those who are low-income, homeless, involved in the child welfare system, or involved in the juvenile justice system.

• Provide mental and behavioral health care services for students with IEPs/504 plans.

• Provide counseling and support services as specified in IEPs/504 plans.

• Comply with all local and Federal laws and regulations related to students with IEPs/504 plans.

• Attend and participate in IEP meetings using a strengths-based and family-centered approach.

• Assist in the production and delivery of IEP progress reports to parents/guardians.

• Provide case management for students and families requiring community resources.

• Provide data and clinical support regarding students’ progress with counseling goals.

• Provide staff with essential information to better understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, family-related, health-related, etc.) affecting a student's performance and behavior.

• Provide direct support and interventions to students exhibiting challenging behaviors.

• Use evidence-based strategies and techniques to de-escalate behavioral incidents.

• Provide counseling and coaching to help students understand and manage their emotions and behaviors.

• Develop proactive strategies to prevent behavioral issues, including classroom accommodations and modifications when necessary.

• Respond to crisis situations while working closely with school security and counseling teams.

• Providing case management for students and families requiring multiple resources.

• Work with parents to facilitate their support in their children's school adjustment.

• Alleviate family stress to enable the child to function more effectively in school and community.

• Assist parents in accessing and utilizing school and community resources.

• Work with those problems in a child's living situation that affect the child's adjustment in school (home, school, and community).

• Obtain and coordinate community resources to meet students’ needs.

• Provide health services and intervention strategies by coordinating the services provided by eligible applicants and coordinated care organizations, public health entities, nonprofit youth service providers, and community-based organizations.

• Foster and promote communication between the school entity, community, and law enforcement.

• Increase access to quality trauma-informed support services and behavioral health care by linking the community with local trauma support and behavioral health systems.

• Help school districts receive adequate support from social and mental health agencies.

• Mobilize family, school, and community resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible within his or her educational program.

• Help school districts receive adequate support from social and mental health agencies.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work effectively on a multi-treatment team.

• Proficient in numerous clinical interventions.

• Knowledge of and ability to access community resources.

• Strong skills in substance abuse intervention.

Education & Experience:

• Education: Master’s degree required, preferably in counseling or social work.

• A License in Social Work (LSW) is required.

Learn more about the Full-time Licensed School-based Counselor/Social Worker position in Norristown.

Full-Time Outpatient Mental Health Therapist

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct evaluations and create personalized treatment plans.
• Use evidence-based approaches to meet clients’ diverse needs.
• Maintain timely documentation of client progress.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients and families.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team while upholding ethical standards.

What You Bring:

• Education: Master's degree in a behavioral health field.
• Licensure: Clinical License or working toward licensure (supervision provided). Must hold a PA license; telehealth options available.
• Strong counseling, communication, and organizational skills.

Work Environment:

• Location: Office-based, telehealth, and community outreach options are available.
• Full-Time Expectations: Average of 25 client hours per week.

Compensation:

This is a salary-based position. There is an opportunity for a bonus structure in addition to the salary if the net average of clients seen exceeds 25 client hours per week.

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Conduct individual therapy, lead groups, or provide community training—your choice!
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.
• Full credentialing coverage.
• Competitive benefits, CEU/training reimbursement, and clinical growth opportunities.
• TLC Wellness is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer.
• Supportive, growing team where your vision and ideas are valued.

Learn more about the Outpatient Mental Health Therapist Position.

Board-Certified Behavior Analyst

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will work with elementary, middle, and/or high school students at a Philadelphia-based charter school to (a) study the behavior of students and create plans to improve or change problematic behaviors; (b) work with students who have developmental disabilities, brain injuries, or emotional control, social, or behavioral issues; and/or (c) help students manage issues such as stress or anger in healthier ways or achieve personal behavior goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Meet with students and parents to observe and assess student behavior.
• Meet with families, teachers, or doctors to discuss the student's treatment and progress and recommend ways to address behavioral issues.
• Develop individual plans to correct, maintain, or improve certain behaviors.
• Help clients set and meet behavior goals.
• Keep detailed notes of student meetings and progress.
• Use methods such as reinforcement and conditioning to correct or reduce aggressive, harmful, and anti-social behaviors and to encourage positive behaviors.
• Facilitate and assist in the development and identification of resources and support information for students and their families.
• Provide model teaching and other direct instructional support, including but not limited to practicum.
• Develop and implement assessment tools; conduct functional assessments and analyses.
• Develop appropriate behavior strategies to teach appropriate behavior and reduce maladaptive behaviors
• Conduct research and apply findings to their work.

Skills & Knowledge :

• Successful completion of an internship and/or formal training in behavior analysis.
• Applied behavior management and analysis skills.
• Communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a variety of clients across different ages and functional levels, and with minimal direction.

Education & Experience:

• Education: Master's degree required.
• Certification: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® certification required in Pennsylvania.

Work Environment:

Home, school, community, and office environments.

Work Hours:

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, 43-week position.

Travel:

Travel to the designated school, various homes, and community settings within the school community.

Learn more about the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst position .

See all the available job openings at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth.

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PHILADELPHIA Careers: The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth

Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1983, The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth is an entrepreneurial social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and communities.

Headquartered in Audubon , TLC operates across multiple states, providing K-12 alternative education, comprehensive mental and behavioral health services, coaching, counseling, and trauma-informed training.

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth collaborates with school districts, universities, hospitals, police departments, and nonprofit organizations, offering consultation services to secure federal and state grant funding.

Here are a few of the staff positions currently available at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth:

Licensed School-based Counselor/Social Worker

The School-based Counselor/Social Worker provides early intervention therapy and counseling services in a designated school district, as well as case management and mental health support services at the school and in the homes of at-risk students.

Additionally, they offer consultation services to school personnel, liaison support to community agencies, and training programs for both school and community populations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide case management for students and families requiring multiple resources.

• Provide home-based services to the families of students who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing trauma, including those who are low-income, homeless, involved in the child welfare system, or involved in the juvenile justice system.

• Provide mental and behavioral health care services for students with IEPs/504 plans.

• Provide counseling and support services as specified in IEPs/504 plans.

• Comply with all local and Federal laws and regulations related to students with IEPs/504 plans.

• Attend and participate in IEP meetings using a strengths-based and family-centered approach.

• Assist in the production and delivery of IEP progress reports to parents/guardians.

• Provide case management for students and families requiring community resources.

• Provide data and clinical support regarding students’ progress with counseling goals.

• Provide staff with essential information to better understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, family-related, health-related, etc.) affecting a student's performance and behavior.

• Provide direct support and interventions to students exhibiting challenging behaviors.

• Use evidence-based strategies and techniques to de-escalate behavioral incidents.

• Provide counseling and coaching to help students understand and manage their emotions and behaviors.

• Develop proactive strategies to prevent behavioral issues, including classroom accommodations and modifications when necessary.

• Respond to crisis situations while working closely with school security and counseling teams.

• Providing case management for students and families requiring multiple resources.

• Work with parents to facilitate their support in their children's school adjustment.

• Alleviate family stress to enable the child to function more effectively in school and community.

• Assist parents in accessing and utilizing school and community resources.

• Work with those problems in a child's living situation that affect the child's adjustment in school (home, school, and community).

• Obtain and coordinate community resources to meet students’ needs.

• Provide health services and intervention strategies by coordinating the services provided by eligible applicants and coordinated care organizations, public health entities, nonprofit youth service providers, and community-based organizations.

• Foster and promote communication between the school entity, community, and law enforcement.

• Increase access to quality trauma-informed support services and behavioral health care by linking the community with local trauma support and behavioral health systems.

• Help school districts receive adequate support from social and mental health agencies.

• Mobilize family, school, and community resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible within his or her educational program.

• Help school districts receive adequate support from social and mental health agencies.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work effectively on a multi-treatment team.

• Proficient in numerous clinical interventions.

• Knowledge of and ability to access community resources.

• Strong skills in substance abuse intervention.

Education & Experience:

• Education: Master’s degree required, preferably in counseling or social work.

• A License in Social Work (LSW) is required.

Learn more about the Full-time Licensed School-based Counselor/Social Worker position in Norristown.

Full-Time Outpatient Mental Health Therapist

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct evaluations and create personalized treatment plans.
• Use evidence-based approaches to meet clients’ diverse needs.
• Maintain timely documentation of client progress.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients and families.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team while upholding ethical standards.

What You Bring:

• Education: Master's degree in a behavioral health field.
• Licensure: Clinical License or working toward licensure (supervision provided). Must hold a PA license; telehealth options available.
• Strong counseling, communication, and organizational skills.

Work Environment:

• Location: Office-based, telehealth, and community outreach options are available.
• Full-Time Expectations: Average of 25 client hours per week.

Compensation:

This is a salary-based position. There is an opportunity for a bonus structure in addition to the salary if the net average of clients seen exceeds 25 client hours per week.

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Conduct individual therapy, lead groups, or provide community training—your choice!
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.
• Full credentialing coverage.
• Competitive benefits, CEU/training reimbursement, and clinical growth opportunities.
• TLC Wellness is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer.
• Supportive, growing team where your vision and ideas are valued.

Learn more about the Outpatient Mental Health Therapist Position.

Board-Certified Behavior Analyst

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will work with elementary, middle, and/or high school students at a Philadelphia-based charter school to (a) study the behavior of students and create plans to improve or change problematic behaviors; (b) work with students who have developmental disabilities, brain injuries, or emotional control, social, or behavioral issues; and/or (c) help students manage issues such as stress or anger in healthier ways or achieve personal behavior goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Meet with students and parents to observe and assess student behavior.
• Meet with families, teachers, or doctors to discuss the student's treatment and progress and recommend ways to address behavioral issues.
• Develop individual plans to correct, maintain, or improve certain behaviors.
• Help clients set and meet behavior goals.
• Keep detailed notes of student meetings and progress.
• Use methods such as reinforcement and conditioning to correct or reduce aggressive, harmful, and anti-social behaviors and to encourage positive behaviors.
• Facilitate and assist in the development and identification of resources and support information for students and their families.
• Provide model teaching and other direct instructional support, including but not limited to practicum.
• Develop and implement assessment tools; conduct functional assessments and analyses.
• Develop appropriate behavior strategies to teach appropriate behavior and reduce maladaptive behaviors
• Conduct research and apply findings to their work.

Skills & Knowledge :

• Successful completion of an internship and/or formal training in behavior analysis.
• Applied behavior management and analysis skills.
• Communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a variety of clients across different ages and functional levels, and with minimal direction.

Education & Experience:

• Education: Master's degree required.
• Certification: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® certification required in Pennsylvania.

Work Environment:

Home, school, community, and office environments.

Work Hours:

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, 43-week position.

Travel:

Travel to the designated school, various homes, and community settings within the school community.

Learn more about the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst position .

See all the available job openings at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth.

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