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JOIN OUR TEAM

Africentric Personal Development Shop, Inc. is a dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. Applicants interested in making a difference and changing lives in the community, should check this web page regularly for employment opportunities.

Employee Benefits

APDS, Inc. offers a rich benefit package to all fulltime employees. This includes

  • Health: Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • Elective: Supplemental Insurance
  • Other: Sick leave, paid vacation, paid personal days, paid float holidays, bereavement leave and paid holidays
  • Training opportunities

To apply, please completely fill-out and print the form above, then send the completed and signed application to gpierson@ncusolutions.com

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

Treatment & Prevention Clinician

APDS is looking for a caring, qualified, self motivated individual to join our team as a Treatment & Prevention Clinician (Spanish-speaking not a must but a “plus”).

Supervisor: Clinical Supervisor 
Subordinates: None
Work Hours: Fulltime; hours to be determined within APDS hours of operation (9am to 8pm Monday – Thursday and 9am to 6pm Friday) 
Salary Range: $36,636 to $46,950 annual salary plus benefits

Minimum Qualifications:

Certification/Licensure/Education Requirements:

Must have one of following appropriate certifications, licensures, and/or education levels on start date: Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA), Registered Applicant (RA), Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist I (OCPSI), Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist II (OCPSII), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II (LCDCII), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDCIII), Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC), Social Worker Assistant (SWA), Social Worker (SW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), Professional Counselor (PC), Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC), or other current credentials/education not listed which qualifies individual to perform chemical dependency counseling activities at APDS.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Other Requirements and/or Qualifications:

Click on the link below to download the Job Announcement for our Treatment & Prevention-Clinician.

Board of Directors

Description: Download

Board of Directors Goals: Download

  1. Financial Stability – To be financially stable through contracts, grants, donations, professional fees, fund-raisers, etc. To manage and retain a financial firmness that assures total expenses budget/balance will not exceed total income budget/balance.
  2. Program Development – be committed to providing high quality, comprehensive, culturally appropriate, cost effective care for consumers.
  3. Facility Development – To maintain a facility(s) that will contribute to the overall appearance and beautification of the community. To develop short and long range plans for constant up-keep, repairs, and maintenance with possible building and program expansion in mind.
  4. Increase Community Involvement – To establish and maintain a strong and positive posture in our community by keeping our facility, participants, and board in the public eye. To coordinate collaborative efforts with other agencies and organizations that will strengthen our support base. To assist in the growth of the board with members who can contribute to the commerce, industrial, and general community with positive augmentative involvement.
  5. Maximum Participation – To publicize and advocate for APDS. To assist in the growth and sustaining of clients and other participants’ businesses, etc. for individual and group support using our low fees and high quality services as major points.

School Social Worker

School Social Worker

Date to be posted: July 2, 2025

Department: Africentric Personal Development Shop (APDS)/Academy for Urban Scholars (AUS)

Supervisor: Clinical Manager/School Superintendent

Location: Columbus

Start Date: August 4, 2025

Salary Range: 85,000.00- 100,000.00

Position Type: Full- Time Position

APDS/AUS is seeking a compassionate, qualified, and dedicated School Social Worker to join our team. The ideal candidate will support the social, emotional, and behavioral development of students while partnering with educators, families, and community resources. This position plays a vital role in promoting student success by addressing barriers to learning and enhancing student well-being within the educational setting.

 

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide direct social-emotional and behavioral support services to students individually and in groups

· Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to create supportive learning environments

· Assist in crisis intervention, case management, and referral services to community agencies

· Conduct assessments to identify students’ needs and develop intervention plans

· Promote attendance and academic success through ongoing advocacy and resource coordination

· Participate in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans as appropriate

· Maintain accurate, confidential student records in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements

· Provide training and consultation to staff on social and emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and behavioral interventions

Other Responsibilities:

· Develop strategies and practice techniques which maintain and improve the retention of students at AUS

· Provide professional, on-going, timely correspondence regarding students’ progress with authorized contacts for each student assigned

· Participate in monthly Quality Assurance and/or Peer Review sessions

· Participate in regular supervision sessions as scheduled

· Participating in All Staff Meetings and other meetings assigned

· Maintain agreed upon required level of daily productivity

· Participate in data collection and reporting processes and activities as required

· Be aware of and abide by all APDS/AUS policies & procedures

· Participate in a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of training (internal or external) related to job responsibilities each year of employment at APDS/AUS

· Participate in and volunteer to assist with other APDS/AUS activities and events regularly

· Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

· Valid Ohio social work license issued by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board: of Either Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

· Eligible for or currently holds a valid Ohio Department of Education Five-Year Professional Pupil Services License – School Social Worker, or Five-Year Pupil Services Registration

· Demonstrated experience working with children, adolescents, and families, preferably in school settings · Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills

· Knowledge of trauma-informed care, culturally responsive practices, and student support systems

· APDS/AUS is a drug free workplace and employment at APDS/AUS is contingent upon the results of applicant’s drug test

· Employment at APDS/AUS is contingent upon background check report(s) regarding applicants

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of a school social work specialization or certificate program through a recognized graduate institution

· Familiarity with Ohio school policies, PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports)

· Bilingual (Spanish, Somali, or other languages) is a plus

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Must maintain current licensure (LSW or LISW) through the CSWMFT Board

· Must meet qualifications for a School Social Work license or registration through the Ohio Department of Education

· Commitment to ongoing professional development and compliance with continuing education requirements for both licenses

Skills and Competencies

Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and clinical documentation.

· Efficient use of computer word processing programs, email, and internet

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications. · Demonstrates maturity and professionalism within interpersonal relationships

· Effective independent time management and prioritization skills

Mental Health Counselor

Job Title: Mental Health Counselor

Date to be posted: June 9, 2025

Department: Africentric Personal Development Shop (APDS)

Supervisor: Clinical Manager

Location: Columbus Start

Date: July 1. 2025

Salary Range: 70,000.00- 80,000.00

Position Type: Full- Time, Part-Time or Independent Contractor

The Mental Health Counselor at APDS will be responsible for delivering high-quality clinical services, including assessment, facilitation, and intervention strategies, to individuals. This role focuses on supporting clients in achieving personal growth, reducing recidivism, and promoting recovery through evidence-based practices. The clinician will work collaboratively with case managers, Franklin County court systems, National Center for Urban Solutions, Franklin County Children Services, and other service providers to ensure comprehensive care and positive client outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

· Conduct Assessments: Perform comprehensive assessments to evaluate the mental

health treatment needs, substance use disorder treatment needs, and readiness for

change of individuals in the program.

· Develop Treatment Plans: Create individualized treatment and prevention plans that outline goals, strategies, and interventions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

· Provide Counseling: Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions to support clients in addressing mental health disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety/anger challenges, and domestic violence behavioral issues.

· Implement Evidence-Based Practices: Utilize evidence-based treatment modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care, to support client rehabilitation and recovery. Utilize the American Society of Addition Medicine Criteria for substance3 use disorders.

· Collaborate with Stakeholders: Coordinate with National Center for Urban Solutions, Franklin County Courts, Franklin County Children Services, correctional facilities, and external partners to ensure continuity of care and appropriate service delivery.

· Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and timely electronic health

records of client interactions, treatment plans, progress notes, and other required

documentation.

· Program Development: Assist in the development and enhancement of treatment

and prevention programs, ensuring they are aligned with the latest research and best practices.

· Client Advocacy: Advocate for client needs and facilitate access to resources that support their reintegration and well-being. Other Responsibilities:

· Maintain up-to-date files in compliance with APDS standards for each customer enrolled in group/class

· Complete all required paperwork within designated timeframes and at the APDS standard of excellence

· Provide professional, on-going, timely correspondence regarding customer progress with authorized contacts for each customer enrolled in group/class

· Participate in weekly Quality Assurance and/or Peer Review sessions · Participate in regular supervision sessions as scheduled

· Participate in All Staff Meetings and other meetings as assigned · Maintain agreed upon required level of daily productivity

· Participate in data collection and reporting processes and activities as required

· Contribute to on-going program and curriculum enhancement and development

· Develop strategies and practice techniques which maintain and improve the retention of customers at APDS

· Be aware of and abide by all APDS and NCUS policies & procedures

· Serve as a substitute facilitator for other APDS programs as qualified and at request of supervisor

· Participate in a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of training (internal or external) related to job responsibilities each year of employment at APDS

· Participate in and volunteer to assist with other APDS and NCUS activities and events regularly

·Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

· Master’s degree in social work, or a related field or a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in clinical practices, case management, or a related role.

· Experience working in behavioral healthcare settings or treatment programs.

· Current Certification/Licensure/Education which qualifies individual to perform both treatment and prevention counseling services.

· Familiarity with trauma-informed care and cognitive-behavioral interventions.

· Familiarity with the American Society of Addition Medicine Criteria (ASAM)

· Two (2) years of experience in group or individual counseling and/or facilitation

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds

· APDS is a drug free workplace and employment at APDS is contingent upon the results of applicant’s drug test

· Employment at APDS is contingent upon background check report(s) regarding applicants

Skills and Competencies

· Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and clinical documentation. · Efficient use of computer word processing programs, email, and internet

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.

· Demonstrates maturity and professionalism within interpersonal relationships

· Effective independent time management and prioritization skills

· Experience working at or collaborating with family centered organizations

· Experience working within the criminal justice system or with justice-involved individuals.