Full Time Youth Development Counselor (Hard to Place)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Youth Development Counselor will ensure an effective therapeutic milieu is established and ingrained in all aspects of the program through the application of best practices in their work with youth and families.  The primary role of this position is to establish a healthy relationship with each participant in the residence and provide guidance, modeling, and opportunities for adolescents to learn social and independent living skills.  The Youth Development Counselor must always act as a mature and positive role model in order to create and/or enhance the overall therapeutic environment.  The Youth Development Counselor must work closely with other team members and with community schools, families, and other community resources as needed.  

The Youth Development Counselor is responsible for ensuring a clean-living environment for the residents which may include light cleaning, cooking, and maintenance of outside area. 

Position Qualifications:

High School Diploma/GED -AA / BA Degree. Experience and a demonstrated knowledge of adolescent and child development. Candidate should have experience with group work, family work, and a commitment to working with at risk youth as well as hard-to-place adolescents and their families. Ability to work with culturally diversified individuals. Ability to conduct training and on-going workshops; ability to plan events. Must have knowledge and experience in child and adolescent development, safety, and nutrition, adult learning principles, and family dynamics. Must be a strong communicator and have the ability to motivate others. Must have knowledge of community resources and skills to link families with appropriate agencies and services. Ability to establish professional boundaries and engage in professional behaviors that emulate a high level of ethics and objective/non-judgmental approaches. Must obtain an F07 withing 30 days of hire. Must obtain a food handlers license within 30 days of hire.