Youth Counselor

Journey of Hope
Youth Counselor - Long Term Foster Care

Program: Journey of Hope
Reports to: Shift Supervisor
Location: Moon campus
Hours: Full-time, 8 hours shift: morning, 6:30am - 2:30pm / afternoon, 2:30pm - 10:30pm.

HFI MISSION DUTIES: Holy Family Institute (HFI) is a 120-year-old Catholic organization with an impeccable history of serving children and families in the Pittsburgh Region. We are one of Pittsburgh's largest social service organizations operating 15 programs in three counties. We are an independent organization guided by Catholic Social Teachings and serving people of all faiths and backgrounds.


GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Youth Counselor assists the Shift Supervisor in providing direct daily supervision and monitoring of children in care of the Journey of Hope LTFC program. Final approval for hire will be done by the Project Officer of the Office of Refugee and Resettlement which is a sub-agency of the Department of Health and Human Services of the federal government.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote a positive, professional environment by modeling the mission, maintaining respectful communication, and building strong relationships with youth, staff, and community partners.
• Ensure the safety and supervision of youth at all times, including medication oversight, crisis response, and adherence to all health, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Support youth development and well-being by using approved behavioral models (SELF/HART), encouraging social and independent living skills, and providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment, including managing supplies, identifying hazards, securing restricted items, and following sanitation protocols.
• Complete timely and accurate documentation and communication, including incident reports, medical updates, and coordination with staff and external providers.
• Transport and support youth as needed, including attending appointments, following medical guidance, and ensuring compliance with safety and program policies.
• Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent required, Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Must have a minimum of one year of experience working with children in a residential or human services setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively and document information accurately.
• Ability to deal efficiently and effectively with a wide variety of individuals. Ability to maintain electronic records, medical files and have basic computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have or be able to obtain Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.
• Must have a valid PA driver's license and be able to drive a car of van
• Fluency in Spanish and English (read, write and speak) preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to lift or push a minimum of 20 lbs by themselves or up to 50 lbs with the assistance of others.
• Ability to stay awake for an entire working shift.
• Ability to verbally de-escalate children during a crisis situation.
• Capable of frequently climbing stairs and other activities that involve physical exertion (i.e. walking hallways, walking across campus).
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly in person / on telephone.
• Quick physical response to a crisis situation.
• Must be able to implement CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) non-passive behavior techniques.

COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
Holy Family Institute and its affiliated organizations are committed to an environment that respects and values every human being and individual differences. We will invest time and resources to create an inclusive environment for all of our stakeholders. This means we will respect diversity that includes race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, disability, language, and sexual orientation. We also believe that we should be "Faithful Listeners" and embrace diversity of ideas, perspectives, and values. We believe in providing access, opportunity, fair treatment, and advancement for all people. Believing that "God is Found in Everyday Activities" we will do our best to eliminate barriers that prevent full participation in our programs and services. We believe "Loving Relationships" means that all are welcome, all are neighbors, and there are no exceptions. With this belief we aim to create an environment in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supportive, and valued.

HOLY FAMILY INSTITUTE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Pay Range: $17.50 per hour