Thursday, June 28, 2012

Youth Counselor (Under 18 residential programs) - YouthCare (Seattle)

Youth Counselor - Under 18 residential programs (Seattle)

Are you seeking a career that allows you to engage with at-risk youth in a postive and responsive way? Do you have experience successfully using motivational behavior change techniques to help youth attain treatment goals with youth and an understanding of emotionally, physically and sexually abused youth?

As a Youth Counselor in our Under 18 residential program you can make a positive impact in the lives of youth in crisis - this maybe some of the most important work you will ever do!

YouthCare has an innovative approach to engage, stablize and perpare youth. Weserve homeless and street-involved youth in Seattle, Washington. We operate seven housing programs and the James W Ray Orion Center.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:
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.

Please visit our employment page at http://www.youthcare.org/about-youthcare/work-youthcare to find out more or read below.
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* Position Title: Youth Counselor Program: Under 18 Residential Programs Job Code: 12-830
Reports To: Manager of Under 18 Programs Department / Division: Residential Status: Full Time
Salary Range: $13.57 per hour Closing Date: July 8 2012 Classification: Non-Exempt

WORK SCHEDULE:
This position is full time, 40 hours per week, and non-exempt. Shifts will vary and will include days, swings, overnights, and holidays. Shifts will be worked at various YouthCare licensed residential programs for under-18 youth depending on need.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Manager of Under 18 Programs, the Youth Counselor is responsible for the daily management of the program site. In conjunction with the clinical staff, the Youth Counselor is responsible for creating a safe environment for high-risk youth in residence, some recovering from complex trauma, who are 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 residential setting / therapeutic milieu. Maintain a thorough working knowledge of the program philosophies, policies and procedures.
• 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 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 including medication logs.
• 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.
• Instruct and assist youth in self-care skills/tasks, including personal care (as needed).
• Prepare food for meals and snacks in accordance with posted menus.
• Assist in maintaining clean, organized and professional working environments (office, personal work space, vehicles, etc.).
• Act as a professional representative of YouthCare in public.
• Work cooperatively with other YouthCare programs, families, school district professional, Law Enforcement, DCFS/DLR personnel, staff from other agencies, etc.

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:
• Experience working with at risk youth. Understanding of emotionally, physically and sexually abused youth.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients and staff while building trust and respect.
• Ability to verbally and physically respond to an aggressive person in ways that de-escalate and establish / maintain staff and youth safety.
• .Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• A valid Washington State Driver's license and the ability to operate a 15-passenger van.
• Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.
• Ability to pass a DSHS Criminal Background Check.
• Competent keyboard and data entry skills

PREFERENCES:
• BA preferred. Experience may be substituted for education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to perform moderate physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 10 to 20 pounds frequently.
• Ability to ascend / descend stairwells 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 Handlers Card
• HIV / AIDS Training (minimum 4 hours)
• De-escalation Training
• 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.


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. Applications must be received by the closing date (July 8, 2012) to be considered.

  • Location: Seattle
  • Compensation: $13.57 per hour plus excellent benefits
  • This is at a non-profit organization.
  • OK to highlight this job opening for persons with disabilities
  • 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.