YOUTH COUNSELOR

As a supportive counselor, the YOUTH COUNSELOR provides intensive supervision and direction to emotionally and behaviorally challenged children and adolescents in a compassionate and respectful manner. This position requires an unwavering commitment to safety and the ability to continuously assess and manage the ongoing developments and concerns of the children care.




The YOUTH COUNSELOR is responsible to implement individualized treatment and milieu programming, in the context of trusting and supportive relationships with children. Provide behavioral services to children. Assist with functions for remote sites as needed. Provide training on behavioral issues to fellow employees as needed.

 

Essential Responsibilities

 

1.             Safety.  Ensure a safe and secure environment. Act immediately to remove all dangers or threats to the welfare of kids. 

 

2.             Supervision.  Supervise children. Oversee daily routines; know the whereabouts of all children in your care; ensure performance of daily self care tasks and assist children as needed.  Provide minor first aid treatment as necessary.

 

3.             Counseling. Provide individual counseling as well as facilitate therapeutic groups.

 

4.             Crisis Intervention.  
 

5.             Treatment planning and assessment.  Participate in the planning and implementation of individualized treatment plans as well as daily treatment schedules in accordance with House/Module programming.

 

6.              Communication.  Communicate all relevant client information obtained by daily supervision to appropriate treatment team members on a timely basis. Competencies

 1.            Knowledge –Ability to recognize and take appropriate action in response to unsafe situations; demonstrate knowledge and use of emergency response systems and tools; knowledge of and compliance with supervision procedures.

 

2.             Rapport – Ability to develop a rapport with children so that data obtained by daily behavioral supervision can be used to develop useful individual and group psychotherapeutic interventions; ability to demonstrate positive role modeling and promote positive and effective use of free time in an enjoyable and constructive way to our clients.

 

4.              Assessment -- Ability to evaluate each child’s progress according to an individualized treatment plan; ability to observe, interpret and document a child’s behaviors; demonstrate an understanding of children and adolescent behavior

 

5.              Communication – Ability to clearly and effectively use written and verbal forms of communication.




6.              Teamwork – Ability to work effectively with treatment team members and children to create a harmonious work environment.

 

Education and Experience:Minimum high school diploma or equivalent. Associate’s Degree in mental health or related field preferred.  Some experience with acute emotionally challenged children or adolescents preferred.

 

Essential Physical Functions and Working Conditions:  

Able to perform moderate physical activity for extended periods.  Ability to work overtime as necessary.