Thursday, July 5, 2012

Youth Counselor (swing/overnight) - YouthCare (University District/Seattle)

Youth Counselor (swing/overnight) (University District/Seattle)


Are you someone with at least 1 year of experience working with at-risk youth or young adults who is seeking an opportunity that allows you to engage with young adults in a postive and responsive way? Do you enjoy engaging in supportive, strengths-based, harm reduction focused conversations? Do you have an understanding of homelessness, street involved youth/young adults and on the impacts of emotional, physical and sexual abuse in their lives? Are you up for the challenges and rewards of supporting young adults that other programs may turn away?

Catalyst at Straley House is a "straight off the streets" housing program for homeless young adults ages 18-21 who may not be ready or eligible for more stable housing programs. Residents can stay for a maximum of six months to stabilize, set goals, and work towards independence and permanent housing. The program is staffed 24 hours with a dedicated staff that provides activities, life skills, structure and stability.

This position will require swing and over-night hours - the planned schedule is Wed night - Saturday morning 8:30pm - 8:30am. This schedule is ideal for night-owls who are commited to staying awake and alert and provides excellent and if you like working a compressed work-week this is a great opportunity!

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.

Find out more about YouthCare and this opportunity by visiting our web-page at http://www.youthcare.org/about-youthcare/work-youthcare. If you are unable to visit our web-page more details are below.

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Position Title: Overnight Youth Counselor Program: Catalyst at Straley House Job Code: 12 - 824

Reports To: Program Manager Type: Full Time Salary Range: $13.57/$14.07

Closing Date: Open until filled Classification: Non-Exempt

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is full time and non-exempt. Work will vary and will require working evenings, weekends, and holidays. The planned initial work schedule will be Wednesday - Saturday morning - 8:30pm -- 8:30am. Hours worked from mid-night to 8am qualify for graveyard shift differential.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Catalyst at Straley House is a "straight off the streets" housing program for homeless young adults ages 18-21 who may not be ready or eligible for more stable housing programs. Residents can stay for a maximum of six months to stabilize, set goals, and work towards independence and permanent housing. The program is staffed 24 hours with a dedicated staff that provides activities, life skills, structure and stability.
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Youth Counselor is responsible for the provision of services to program participants. 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 working towards stabilization and preparing to transition to more stable housing. The position requires an individual who can actively contribute to a positive, stable, responsive and responsible environment for change.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Youth Counselor is responsible for the provision of services to program participants. 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 working towards stabilization and preparing to transition to more stable housing. The position requires an individual who can actively contribute to a positive, stable, responsive and responsible environment for change.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide on-site supervision of youth, including overnight supervision of the facility that requires remaining awake and alert.
• Provide crisis intervention and crisis counseling to residents.
• Engage in strengths-based, harm reduction focused conversations with youth.
• Coordinate and monitor house activities including use of kitchen and laundry facilities. Ensure the overall cleanliness of the facility by monitoring weekly chores.
• Act as a "tie" to three residents in the program, working more intensively with them on development of life skills, behavioral and developmental growth, and reaching their goals.
• Maintain accurate case records. This includes daily logs, progress notes, and other necessary data tracking.
• Complete incident reports on any facility damage, medical emergencies or any incident which occurs out of the ordinary daily functioning of the house.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings.
• Work as a member of a team to support youth, communicate with co-workers via email, one-on-one meetings and other communication tools.
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required (a minimum of six in-service or equivalent training sessions per year).
• Participate in YouthCare's research and evaluation component as needed.

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:
• 1 year of experience successfully working with youth or young adults at risk in a crisis, outreach or residential setting.
• Ability to effectively manage behavioral and emotional problems presented by youth.
• Ability to de-escalate youth in high stress situations.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize and respond to multiple needs.
• 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 maintain professional boundaries with clients while building trust and respect.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to stay awake and alert during over-night shifts.
• Ability to pass a DSHS Criminal Background Check.

PREFERENCES:
• Familiar and comfortable with harm reduction philosophies in regard to sexual activity, drug use, and other potentially risky behaviors.
• BA in psychology or related field or 4 years of experience working with high-risk youth or other vulnerable populations
• Experience working with chemical dependent clients.

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.

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.


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.

  • Location: University District/Seattle
  • Compensation: $13.57 swing shift hours, $14.07 grave shift hours plus excellent benefits
  • 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.