JOB TITLE: Child/Youth Mental Health Liaison
PROGRAMS: All JFS Programs
POPULATION SERVED: Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Families
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Child/Youth Mental Health Liaison, under the direction and supervision of the Director of Programs and Services, will strengthen the mental health and well-being of children, youth, families, and community members within the Greater Charlotte Jewish community. This position will serve as a bridge between Jewish Family Services (JFS) and community partners providing a range of mental health prevention and intervention services including direct therapeutic services, staff training and consultation, parent workshops, and social-emotional learning education. 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION

The Child/Youth Mental Health Liaison is a full-time, non-exempt position. Some weekend and evening hours required. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Engagement, Clinical Services, and Mental Health Prevention/Education:

• Serve as an embedded clinician within Jewish Institutional Partners, integrating mental health expertise across Community Engagement, Clinical Services, and Mental Health Prevention/Education initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with Jewish community organizations to provide responsive mental health support.
• Deliver trainings, workshops, and consultations for educators, clergy, youth leaders, staff, and other stakeholders in the Jewish community to strengthen their ability to support children and families.
• Create and lead parent education workshops focused on child development, parenting strategies, resilience, and mental health awareness.
• Provide classroom-based and group social-emotional learning programs to support healthy development of children and youth.
• Offer direct clinical services, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and evidence-based therapy for children, adolescents, and families.
• Collaborate with JFS staff to ensure seamless integration of mental health services across programs.
• Provide crisis intervention, consultation, and referral services as needed.
• Participate in outreach efforts, community events, and educational programs to enhance awareness and reduce stigma around mental health.
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with JFS and insurance requirements.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• NASW Code of Ethics and best practices in clinical social work.
• Bio-psychosocial approaches to evaluating individuals and families.
• Principles of psychology, social work, child development, and family systems.
• Evidence-based mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Crisis intervention and management strategies.
• Needs assessment techniques and tools.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution methods.
• Insurance documentation standards and guidelines.
• Individual, group, couples, and family therapy practices.

DEMONSTRATED SKILLS

• Commitment to upholding the NASW Code of Ethics in all professional practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and appropriate boundaries with clients, families, staff, and community partners.
• Effective planning, organizational, and program management skills.
• Strong time management skills with ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Capacity to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate client and program goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related clinical field from an accredited college or university.
• Current North Carolina licensure as an LCSW, LCSW-A, or equivalent Master’s-level licensure accepted by insurance payers. 
• Minimum of two (2) years of verified, full-time, post-graduate experience providing direct mental health services to children, adolescents, and families preferred.
• Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development and family systems.
• Experience delivering community-based trainings or workshops preferred.
• Familiarity with the Jewish community and/or cultural sensitivity to diverse religious and cultural backgrounds strongly preferred.

Interested applicants should email their resume to rachel.green@jfscharlotte.org.

Jewish Family Services Builds on Its Foundation of Care and Support

By Julie Loftis 

As we turn the page into a new year, we’re reminded that fresh starts aren’t just a matter of the calendar, they’re an opportunity to strengthen our commitments, deepen our connections, and reaffirm what it means to care for one another. At Jewish Family Services (JFS), this sense of renewal comes at a crucial time for the organization with the introduction of three new staff to the JFS team. 

This year, we are thrilled to welcome three new talented professionals: Eva Kantor, Senior Engagement Manager, Lakia Murphy, Case Manager, and Sarah Burnett, Finance and Administrative Services Manager. Their expertise, passion, and dedication will continue to ensure the quality and fidelity of JFS’ programs and services and our ability to continue to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.

Many in the aging services community will recognize Eva Kantor, who brings a long history of experience working with older adults. In her new role, Eva will oversee all senior engagement programming, Holocaust survivor services, and caregiver support initiatives.

Eva’s return comes at a pivotal time. The needs of older adults are becoming increasingly complex, from caregiving pressures to social isolation to navigating aging with dignity. Eva’s depth of knowledge, warm leadership style, and longstanding relationships within the community will allow JFS to expand its reach while maintaining the personalized, attentive support that is our hallmark.

Under her leadership, JFS will continue building a seamless continuum of care. One that supports seniors not only with practical resources, but also with opportunities for meaning, connection, and independence. Her commitment ensures that our senior engagement work continues to evolve thoughtfully, meeting the needs of today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow.

Alongside Eva, we are delighted to welcome Lakia Murphy as a full-time Case Manager. Originally from Washington, D.C., Lakia brings more than 12 years of case management experience supporting children, families, and adults facing socioeconomic challenges including homelessness, mental health needs, and financial hardship. Her academic training and professional background reflect her deep commitment to uplifting individuals through a strength-based approach. As the needs of our community have become more complex and challenging, JFS is truly fortunate to be able to access Lakia’s experience in connecting the needs of our clients to community resources. 

Lakia is passionate about helping clients navigate resources, advocate for their needs, and achieve meaningful stability, an invaluable asset for seniors and caregivers who often struggle to manage complex medical, financial, and emotional demands. Outside of work, Lakia is a plant lover who enjoys reading mystery novels, listening to podcasts, and sitting by the ocean. These are but a few of the quiet joys that match the grounded, thoughtful care she brings to her clients every day.

As JFS continues to prioritize effective strategies for meeting the needs of our community, we remain equally focused on responsible stewardship of community resources. This year, we were pleased to introduce Sarah Barnett, our new Finance and Administrative Services Manager, who has already played a key role in enhancing our internal systems. She is improving accuracy in billing, refining processes, and elevating reporting, all essential elements of fiduciary responsibility in a nonprofit setting.

Her diligence ensures we maintain the highest level of accountability while making certain that every program, every hour of service, and every dollar entrusted to us is managed with integrity. This behind-the-scenes work enables JFS to grow sustainably and continue offering high-quality mental health, senior support, and community services.

As Eva, Lakia, and Sarah step into their roles, we look ahead to a year marked by deeper relationships and strengthened support for those who rely on JFS most. Their leadership and compassion, paired with our current talented staff members, will continue to strengthen our mission and our community in ways that will resonate far beyond 2026. This new year invites us all to reaffirm what JFS stands for: building a community where every person, at every age, feels supported, connected, and valued.

For more information about JFS, please visit jfscharlotte.org, email info@jfscharlotte.org or call (704) 364-6594. 

A New Year, a New Commitment to Mental Health

By Howard Olshansky 

The start of a new year is often painted as a time of excitement with clean slates, ambitious resolutions, and a surge of motivation. But for many, January brings an entirely different emotional experience. The pressure to reinvent oneself, the abrupt return to routines after the holidays, and the weight of expectations can create a period of heightened stress, anxiety, and emotional vulnerability. Understanding the mental health challenges of the new year can help individuals and families approach this transition with greater compassion, realism, and resilience.

The Pressure of Resolution Culture
One of the most significant stressors during the new year is the cultural emphasis on transformation. Messages urging people to “be better,” “do more,” or “start over,” bombard social media, workplaces, and social circles. While goal setting can be healthy, the expectation to radically change habits overnight can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure before January ends.

Research shows that a significant percentage of new year’s resolutions are abandoned within weeks, which can compound shame and self-criticism. Instead of being a source of motivation, resolutions often become benchmarks for self-judgment. For individuals already prone to anxiety or depression, this pressure can amplify negative internal narratives. Shifting the focus from perfection to progress, and embracing goals as flexible, evolving intentions rather than rigid mandates, can significantly reduce the emotional toll.

The Post-Holiday Emotional Crash
The holiday season can act like a buffer. Oftentimes, gatherings, traditions, breaks from work, and moments of celebration help to lift spirits. When January arrives, this energy quickly dissipates. The abrupt transition from festivity to routine often triggers what many describe as the “post-holiday crash.” People return to work or school facing full inboxes, packed schedules, financial strain from holiday spending, and colder, darker days.

This emotional dip is not simply a matter of missing the holidays; it is part of a broader psychological adjustment. The brain has spent several weeks receiving increased doses of social connection and stimuli, and suddenly it must readjust to slower, quieter days. For some, the contrast is jarring, leading to feelings of loneliness, sadness, or inertia.

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Winter Realities
The new year arrives in the heart of winter, a season associated with shorter days, colder temperatures, and limited sunlight, all of which can affect mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts a sizable portion of the population and is often at its peak in January. Symptoms include low energy, changes in sleep, decreased motivation, and sadness.

Even for individuals who do not meet clinical criteria for SAD, winter can still dampen one’s emotional well-being. Reduced outdoor activity, less social engagement, and disrupted routines can create a sense of stagnation or isolation. The interplay between environmental factors and emotional health underscores the importance of intentionally incorporating movement, light exposure, and social connection into winter routines.

Financial and Practical Stressors
January also often brings financial pressures such as holiday bills, new insurance deductibles, tuition payments, and planning for annual expenses. For families, the return to school and structured routines can be overwhelming, especially if children are struggling with their own post-break adjustments.

These stressors are especially challenging for individuals already coping with economic insecurity. When financial worries intersect with the pressure to start fresh or achieve new goals, the emotional load can feel unmanageable. Recognizing the legitimacy of these concerns, rather than dismissing them as temporary discomforts, is essential for supporting mental well-being.

The Weight of Reflection and Anticipation
The change of the calendar naturally prompts reflection: What did I accomplish last year? What didn’t happen? What do I want for the year ahead? While reflection can be grounding, it can also stir unresolved feelings of grief, regret, missed opportunities, or uncertainty about the future. For some, the new year magnifies the heaviness of life transitions such as loss, divorce, career changes, or health challenges.

The future-oriented mindset of January can also trigger anxiety: the fear of repeating past patterns, the pressure to make the “right” choices, or the unpredictability of the months ahead. Normalizing these feelings and giving space for them can help prevent emotional overwhelm.

Supporting Mental Health in the New Year
Navigating the mental health challenges of the new year requires intention and gentleness. A few practical strategies can make the transition more sustainable:

• Prioritize small, meaningful habits over sweeping resolutions.
• Build routines that include movement, rest, and connection.
• Embrace sunlight exposure when possible or consider light therapy, if appropriate.
• Set realistic expectations for productivity and emotional energy during January.
• Seek support, professionally or through community, if feelings of sadness or anxiety persist.

The new year doesn’t need to be a time of pressure or emotional strain. By acknowledging the challenges that naturally arise during this transition, individuals and communities can approach January with greater compassion and create environments that support mental well-being from the very start.

Jewish Family Services Is Proud to Announce the Honorees for Live Laugh Give 2026

By Julie Loftis 

There are people whose generosity doesn’t just touch lives, it transforms them. Co-Chairs Kevin Levine and Louis Sinkoe are thrilled to announce Eric and Lori Sklut as this year’s Live Laugh Give honorees, recognizing their unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more empathetic Charlotte. From their years of leadership in the Jewish community to their deep dedication and causes serving the broader region, the Skluts embody what it means to live with purpose and give with heart.

Both Charlotte, N.C., natives, the Skluts have seen the region’s remarkable growth and helped shape it through their leadership and philanthropy. Lori, a graduate of the University of Georgia, returned to Charlotte after school to begin a career with Family Dollar Stores. Four years later, she was promoted to the role of “motherhood” with the birth of their first child, Blair, followed by Haley and Mason. She has served on the boards of HopeWay, Atrium Health Foundation, Foundation for the Carolinas, Charlotte Country Day School, and Providence Day School.

Eric, a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, returned to Charlotte, where his passion for cars led him to found Perfection Automotive, a company that produces custom trim parts for high-end vehicles. The company recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Over the course of his philanthropic career, he became active in the early development of Shalom Park. He has also served on the boards of United Way of Greater Charlotte, the Levine JCC (as president), the Foundation of Shalom Park (as president), the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (as campaign chair), the Elon University Board of Trustees and the UNC Center for Jewish Studies.

Most recently, Eric served as campaign chair for Nourish Up, a local nonprofit working to end hunger in Mecklenburg County, which raised more than $23 million for its new headquarters. Over the years, his fundraising efforts have supported institutions across the region, generating more than $70 million in total.

The Sklut Family Foundation focuses on four pillars: Jewish and faith-based initiatives; health care, including children’s and human-service agencies; education; and the cultural and performing arts. When considering a gift, the Skluts start with a guiding question: “How many people can be helped by each dollar?”

“We approach philanthropy with purpose and dedication,” the Skluts said. “We are committed to carrying forward the spirit of giving, one of our valued family traditions. We seek to promote compassion within the community, improve the human condition, and are proud to support JFS, recognizing its expanded services are essential to meeting the needs of Charlotte’s growing population.”

According to Howard Olshansky, executive director of JFS, “The Skluts’ generosity has profoundly impacted the development of JFS. Their long-term commitment has enabled us to grow beyond meeting basic needs to becoming the agency we are today.”

Their three children and their spouses all live in Charlotte. Together, they have given Lori and Eric five beautiful grandchildren. Blair and Jeff; Haley and Gabriel; and Mason and Bashi share their parents’ purpose for giving back. They support organizations they find meaningful, participate in the Levine-Sklut Family Foundation, and serve in volunteer roles throughout the community.

Save the date for Live Laugh Give comedy night on Sunday, June 7, 2026, for “A Night of Laughter, A Lifetime of Healing.” All proceeds will benefit JFS programs and services, including therapy, parenting support, financial and food assistance, domestic violence resources, senior engagement, case management, and support for Holocaust survivors, families and caregivers. With expertise, compassion and emphasis on maintaining dignity, the JFS staff works closely with clients to create individualized plans that provide help when it’s needed most.

The comedian for Live Laugh Give 2026 had not yet been announced at the time of publication. Previous entertainers have included comedians Modi, Elon Gold and Orny Adams. We are excited to share more information about this year’s performer, which will be revealed as soon as details become available.

For sponsorship opportunities or other ways to honor Lori and Eric Sklut, contact Susan Meyer at 704-364-6594 or susan.meyer@jfscharlotte.org. To learn more about JFS of Greater Charlotte, visit jfscharlotte.org or email info@jfscharlotte.org.

When The Holidays Feel Heavy

By Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director

The holiday season can be both the most wonderful and the most demanding time of the year. Financial strain, family tension, and changes in children’s routines often test even the most resilient among us. Acknowledging these pressures – and finding thoughtful, healthy ways to manage them – can make the weeks ahead feel more joyful, grounded, and genuinely meaningful.

Media and cultural cues promote an idealized vision of perfection. Pinterest-worthy decorations, exquisite meals, and photographs of festive gatherings where everyone smiles and gets along. Social media amplifies this illusion, highlighting a polished version of joy that rarely reflects reality, often leading to feelings of inadequacy. Creating digital boundaries such as limiting scrolling or taking short breaks from screens can help restore perspective and ease anxiety.

It’s no secret that children thrive on predictability. When the holiday break begins, the familiar rhythm of classes, activities, and social interactions suddenly comes to a halt. What starts as a welcome stretch of rest can quickly slip into long days colored by irritability and boredom. For some, school creates stability and a sense of safety. Time away can heighten loneliness or insecurity, especially for those who rely on school-based counseling, special education services, or meal programs.

Parents can support their children by maintaining structure at home – sticking to regular mealtimes and consistent sleep schedules. And organizing family activities like outdoor play, reading time, or even cooking together can also help children feel grounded and secure.

Family gatherings can be both heartwarming and complicated. Differences in parenting styles, unresolved tensions, or the absence of loved ones can resurface. Children often sense these undercurrents, which can increase anxiety or spark behavioral changes, especially in families navigating divorce or separation. 

Open communication and realistic expectations help. Parents can model emotional awareness by acknowledging stress and encouraging children to express what’s on their minds. Taking short breaks during busy moments like going for a walk, playing a quiet game, or stepping outside can also help everyone reset.

Gift-giving, travel, and elaborate meals can stretch even the most disciplined budgets. For families already managing tight finances, this pressure can be overwhelming. Children may feel left out without the newest toys or far-flung vacations, resulting in parents experiencing pangs of guilt or failure. Shifting the focus from spending money to sharing experiences can help restore balance. Often, it’s the smallest moments – baking cookies, writing holiday cards, or simply spending an evening unplugged – that bring the deepest joy.

Both children and adults benefit from intentional care during the holidays. Simple practices like mindfulness, keeping healthy routines, journaling, volunteering, talking openly – help nurture emotional well-being. For families navigating ongoing stress or conflict, counseling can provide both perspective as well as practical strategies. Choosing presence over perfection makes room for what truly matters: connecting with loved ones and creating lasting memories.

The holidays bring moments of joy and periods of strain. By setting practical expectations, maintaining steady routines, and prioritizing mental health, families can move through the season with greater calm and balance. In the end, the most significant gifts aren’t the ones wrapped in ribbon, but the empathy, patience, and time we share with one another.