Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Youth Counselor - YouthCare (Seattle)

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Youth Counselor (Seattle)
 
Hola!
Are you seeking a career that allows you to engage with youth in a postive and responsive way? Do you have strong interpersonal skills, the ablity to connect to teens from diverse backgrounds, and experience with or understanding of at-risk immigrant or refugee youth?

As a Youth Counselor at YouthCare's Casa de los Amigos pgrogram you would join our team of staff and volunteers serving refugee unaccompanied minors in a transitional residential setting by creating a positive, safe, responsive, empowering and caring environment.

This could be the most important and rewarding work you will ever do!

We have a full-time overnight (grave) position.

YouthCare has an innovative approach to engage, stablize and perpare youth. In addition to the Casa program that focuses on refugee and immigrant youth we also serve homeless and street-involved youth in Seattle, Washington. We operate seven housing programs and the James W Ray Orion Center.

For more information please visit our employment web-site at http://www.youthcare.org/about-youthcare/work-youthcare. More information about this opportunity is also provided below.

YouthCare is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.

People of Color and Members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.


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Position Title: Bilingual Youth Counselor Program: Casa de los Amigos Job Code: 12 - 812

Reports To: Program Manager Status: Full Time Salary Range: $$14.07 per hour


WORK SCHEDULES: Friday -- Tuesday Midnight -- 8am

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Bilingual Youth Counselor is responsible for the coordination of services for clients placed in the 8-bed shelter facility. The facilities are for youth 12-17 years of age who have been placed in the program by the Office of Refugee Resettlement Department of Unaccompanied Children's Services (ORR / DUCS). The Bilingual Youth Counselor must balance nurturing and listening while setting limits. Must have organizational ability as well as be adaptable and flexible while maintaining a safe environment. This position will be evaluated within 90 days of hire, in order to ensure that this position (employee) is fulfilling job description and program needs.


ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provides coordination and transportation for youth to/from appointments (legal, school, airport and some medical appointments when appropriate). Escort for different fly-outs as needed.
• Maintains a flexible schedule (working some weekends, early and/or late hours) and must also be able to provide support in coverage as needed.
• Provides crisis intervention and counseling to clients in care.
• Coordinates house activities while on primary coverage (house meetings, chores, meals, overall house cleanliness, etc.)
• Maintains a secure and safe facility.
• Supervises the information / referral phone and provide referral information as needed, making referrals where appropriate.
• Provides advocacy services, including formal counseling and community referrals.
• Completes an incident report on any facility damage, medical emergency, or any incident, which occurs out of the ordinary daily functioning of the program.
• Maintains accurate case files, log entries, and other necessary client records. Ensure that there are adequate copies of all standard file documentation.
• Maintains the cleanliness of staff bathrooms and general facility.
• Organizes and conduct daily / weekly outings and structured activities for youth in care.

This job description is not intended to cover every aspect of your job at YouthCare. We are a team that works together to meet the needs of our clients and every member of the team is expected to pitch in and help even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIREMENTS:
• Fluency in Spanish or highly proficient level of Spanish-speaking ability.
• Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.
• Strong personal boundaries.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients while building trust and respect.
• Ability to pass a DSHS Criminal Background Check.
• Ability to verbally and physically respond to an aggressive person in ways that de-escalate, establish and maintain staff and youth safety.

PREFERENCES:
• BA in psychology or related field and one-year experience or 3 year's similar experience.
• Experience working with at-risk youth and/or immigrant populations preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to perform moderate physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 10 to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
• 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
• Food Handler's Card
• Complete De-Escalation Training
• 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:
Aresume and cover letter are required for all applicants. Employment Applications will be requested when interviews are scheduled. 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 e-mail. If you wish to be considered only for 1-2 specific shift(s) please indicate which one(s) in your cover letter. Resumes and Cover Letters can also be mailed to YouthCare, 2500 NE 54th Street, Seattle, WA 98105. Applications will be accepted until position is filled
  • Location: Seattle
  • Compensation: $14.07 per hour PLUS great benefits
  • This is at a non-profit organization.
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  • Please, no phone calls about this job!
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