Youth Counselor - The Hope Center (Day/ Swing Shift) - YouthCare

CLOSING DATE: open until filled

OPPORTUNITY TYPE: Job

JOB #: 16425

POSTED: October 17, 2020

Description:

Pay Rate: $16.50/ hr - $17.50/hr (DOE)

FTE: 40 Hrs/ Wk

# of Openings: 2

AT YOUTHCARE: YouthCare envisions a community where no young person experiences homelessness, all young people have the opportunity to thrive, and the systems that oppress them are dismantled. YouthCare serves young people of many racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious beliefs, and we seek a workforce that reflects that diversity.

ABOUT YOUTHCARE: YouthCare works to end youth homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential. Founded in 1974, YouthCare was one of the first programs to serve runaway and homeless youth on the West Coast. The goal was to help young people find safety today, and build a future for tomorrow. Over four decades, we’ve defined best practices and developed programs that are a national standard for excellence. Using a youth-centered approach, we ensure that young people experiencing homelessness ages 12-24 have the hope, skills, and confidence to gain long-term stability.

ABOUT HOPE Center:  This temporary transitional residence serves young people ages 14-17 for up-to 30 days. Residents receive counseling, education services, assessments, engagement services for additional interventions, and receive referrals for permanency planning to transition to stability.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Youth Counselor is responsible for the daily management of the program site. All housing programs are open 24/7 and per agency licensing requirements, program must maintain safe staff and client ratio to provide services to our clients. In conjunction with other staff, the Youth Counselor’s task is to create a safe and caring environment for vulnerable young people 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.

NON-MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES ARE REPRESENTED BY THE OFFICE AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (OPEIU).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide on-site supervision, while maintaining professional boundaries in providing crisis intervention and counseling to residents. Must learn and apply positive behavior modification techniques and model effective de-escalation and problem-solving skills.
  • Act as a professional representative of YouthCare and maintain a professional working environment (office, personal work space, agency vehicle, etc.).
  • Maintains a flexible work schedule (filling shifts on some weekends, early and/or late hours) and must be willing to be cross-trained in providing support with shift coverage in on-call basis for the program and the agency, as required by individual program needs.
  • Complete thorough intake process with clients and review files for all required paperwork. Participate in YouthCare’s research and evaluation component. Be responsible for obtaining client consent and participation in the completion of standardized test(s) used to evaluate client’s clinical profile and the program’s effectiveness.
  • Work collaboratively with other YouthCare programs, families, school district professionals, DCFS/DLR personnel, staff from other agencies, etc. This position requires that you assist, support and communicate with other staff in engaging young people in participating on developing and following individualize education, employment and life skill plans and activities.
  • With direction from Case Manager, help plan for, direct and/or provide support for recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities that are in alignment with treatment and permanency goals.
  • At designated times, prepare and cook meals for up to 14 residents and staff.
  • Attend and fully participate in meetings and training sessions as required (a minimum of six in-service or equivalent training sessions per year).
  • Engage and participate in weekly staff meetings and be an instrumental team member in supporting young people, by communicating effectively with all program staff, program participants, personnel from other agencies and visitors.
  • Oversee the safety and cleanliness of the facility, including the restrooms, laundry room, the community room, and adjoining deck. Perform light janitorial work, including vacuuming carpets; taking out trash; sweeping/mopping floors; and similar tasks. Compile maintenance requests and submit to Program Manager/Maintenance Staff as needed.
  • Maintain accurate case records. This includes the bimonthly contact sheets, independent living skills checklist and daily staff log. Complete all necessary evaluation tests with assigned residents at graduation. Ensure all client-related data is both current and accurate in the YouthCare’s Evaluation System (YES).
  • Dispense medication (as needed), and complete related documentation. Perform weekly medical reconciliation and update med binder forms and complete all required documentation according to individual program procedures and timelines.
  • Complete incident reports on any facility damage, medical emergencies or any incident which occurs out of the ordinary daily functioning of the house.

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.

 

Skills/Eligibility:

QUALIFICATIONS –

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:      

  • 1 year of experience successfully working with vulnerable young people or young people in a crisis, during outreach efforts or in residential setting.
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Experience and credentials must comply with program contract requirements including but not limited to DSHS background check and must be at least 21 years of age.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or four years of successful experience with young people in a crisis or outreach setting.
  • Course work, experience, or training in child or human development, chemical dependency, mental illness, group dynamics, residential treatment, or related experience highly preferred.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Valid state identification or passport.
  • Current TB Test.
  • Food Handler’s Card.
  • Successful completion of pre-service training as required by contracting agency. Training will include: New Employee Training, Cultural Proficiency training, CPR/First Aid and HIV/AIDS training, CSEC and Right Response training, Defensive Driving and 15-Passenger Van training.
  • Must possess a valid WA State Driver’s License and have the ability to drive.
  • When driving YouthCare vehicles, you must possess a valid WA State Driver’s License; meet minimum safe driver criteria established by the agency and our insurance company.
  • Computer software skills including Windows, Microsoft outlook, Microsoft Word
  • Initiative, creativity, reliability, flexibility, thoroughness
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with good quality spelling, grammar and punctuation
  • High integrity when dealing with a broad array of cultures 

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