YOUTHCARE
Position Title: Youth Counselor/Bridge Program
Job Closing Date: Open Until Filled.
WORK SCHEDULE: This position is full time and non-exempt. Work will vary and will require working evenings, weekends, and holidays.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Bridge Program Manager, the Youth Counselor is responsible for the daily management of the program site. This program specializes in serving youth that have been commercially sexually exploited. In conjunction with the clinical staff, the Youth Counselor is responsible for creating a safe environment for high-risk youth in residence that are recovering from complex trauma and preparing to become more self-sufficient. The position requires an individual who can actively contribute to a safe, positive, responsible environment for change.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide supervision of youth in a therapeutic milieu. Maintain a thorough working knowledge of the program philosophies, policies and procedures.
Serve as a Primary counselor with assigned youth. Meet weekly with youth to implement the service plans, set appointments and transport youth as assigned. Instruct and assist youth in self-care skills/tasks, including personal care (as needed).
Use motivational behavior change techniques to help youth attain treatment goals and reduce treatment interfering behaviors. Model effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
Adhere to the daily program schedule. Coordinate and monitor house activities including use of kitchen and laundry facilities. Ensure the overall cleanliness of the facility.
Provide crisis intervention and crisis counseling to residents. Use of de-escalation skills as needed to maintain and reestablish a safe environment.
Maintain accurate progress notes, case files, log entries, and other necessary client records.
Complete an incident report on any facility damage, medical emergency, or any incident which occurs out the ordinary daily functioning of the house.
Plan for, direct and/or provide support for recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities that are in alignment with treatment and permanency goals. Ensure supervision and safety during activities in a variety of settings.
Prepare food for meals and snacks in accordance with posted menus.
Act as a professional representative of YouthCare in public.
Assist in maintaining clean, organized and professional working environments (office, personal work space, company car, etc.).
Work cooperatively with other YouthCare programs, families, school district professional, Law Enforcement, DCFS/DLR personnel, staff from other agencies, etc.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
PREFERENCES:
BA preferred -- Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
REQUIREMENTS:
Experience working with at-risk youth.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries with youth, while building trust and respect.
Ability to deal therapeutically with behavioral and emotional problems presented by youth.
Understanding of emotionally, physically and sexually abused youth.
Ability to coordinate overall household functioning.
Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.
Ability to pass a DSHS Criminal Background Check.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to perform moderate physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 10 to 20 pounds frequently.
Ability to climb and descend stairs within a 60 second time frame, a minimum of 10 times a shift.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS -- Within 30 Days of Hire
Must have current negative TB test
CPR / First Aid Certification
HIV / AIDS Training (minimum 4 hours)
When driving YouthCare vehicles, you must possess a valid WA State Drivers License and have taken Van Driver Certification Training or an approved Defensive Driving Course.
BENEFITS:
YouthCare provides a competitive benefits package to full time employees including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, short-term disability, life insurance, 401(k), vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave after successful completion of the Introductory Period.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:
YouthCare shall seek to insure and provide equal opportunity for all persons seeking employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, national origin, disability or any other characteristics as established by law.
People of Color and Members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
An application, resume and cover letter are required for all qualified candidates. Please visit our web-site for more information: http://www.youthcare.org/about-youthcare/work-youthcare OR reply with your Resume and Cover Letters -- No Faxes. Please identify which position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Resume and Cover Letters can also be mailed to YouthCare, 2500 NE 54th Street, Seattle, WA 98105.
- Location: SANDPOINT
- Compensation: $12.50-$14.00 per hour DOE
- This is at a non-profit organization.
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