YOUTHCARE
Position Title: Youth Counselor / Shelter Program
Job Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified candidates.
WORK SCHEDULE: This position is full time and non-exempt. Work schedule will vary and may require working days, evenings and weekends.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Youth Counselor is responsible for the daily management of the program site. In conjunction with other clinical staff, the Youth Counselor's task is to create a safe and caring therapeutic environment for high-risk youth in residence who are preparing to transition to become more self-sufficient. The position requires an individual who can actively contribute to a positive, stable, responsive and responsible environment for change.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
•Maintain a thorough working knowledge of the program philosophies, policies and procedures.
•Provide on-site supervision of youth.
•Use of positive behavior modification techniques. Model effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
•Coordinate and monitor house activities including use of kitchen and laundry facilities.
•Provide crisis intervention and crisis counseling to residents. Use of de-escalation skills as needed to maintain and reestablish a safe environment.
•Maintain a secure and safe facility.
•Attend and coordinate educational groups for residents.
•Complete thorough intake process with clients. Review files for all required paperwork.
•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.
•Provide support and direction to all youth in achieving individual goals and program expectations.
•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.
•Ensure the overall cleanliness of the facility.
•Prepare food for meals and snacks in accordance with posted menus (as needed).
•Instruct and assist youth in self-care skills/tasks, including personal care (as needed).
•Dispense medication (as needed), and complete related documentation. Complete all required documentation according to individual program procedures and timelines.
•Act as a professional representative of YouthCare.
•Assist in maintaining professional working environments (office, personal work space, company car, etc.).
•Additional duties as required by position, and/or supervisor/program manager (will vary across program settings).
•Participate in on-call support to program, as required by individual program needs.
•Work cooperatively with other YouthCare programs, families, school district professional, 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
•Food Handler's Card
•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. Resume and Cover Letters should be mailed to hr@youthcare.org -- 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 and must be post-marked prior to job closing date.
- Location: University Village
- Compensation: $12.50 - $14.00 per hour
- This is at a non-profit organization.
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
- Please, no phone calls about this job!
- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
