Team Lead Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Summary Job Description

The group leader is accountable for the physical and emotional safety of the environment. Additionally, the individual is responsible for leading the staff and resident teams utilizing the Tuckman model of supervision along with the MYSI standards (Eyes on, Ears on, Heart on). The individual is accountable for scheduling the staff team in a manner that supports an appropriate child to adult ratio and safety standards. Moreover, the team leader must collaborate with all services provides, i.e. Medical, Social Service, Q256 and all other providers.

About St. John’s

Founded in 1826 as a home for orphaned children, St. John’s has evolved into a nonprofit social services agency providing residential care to New York City youth involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. We offer holistic, trauma-informed support to young people up to age 21. 

Our main campus in Rockaway Park, Queens, houses a Residential Treatment Center, Close to Home Non-Secure Placement programs, administrative offices, clinical services, and an on-site NYC Department of Education school. We also operate a Non-Secure Detention residence in Richmond Hill and Limited Secure Placement programs in Brooklyn and Staten Island. 

St. John’s is dedicated to helping youth heal, grow, and build the skills they need to achieve their goals and return to family or a stable, supportive environment as engaged members of their communities. 

Principal Responsibilities

• Assign advocates to all residents upon arrival to NSP. > Facilitate no less than 5 therapeutic group meetings consistently
• Assist in the development of a comprehensive program schedule/activity plans w/site director.
• Assist the Unit Manager in facilitation of weekly team meetings.
• Coordinate all staff schedules two weeks in advance with final approval from site director.
• Secure staff for all appointments, i.e. medical, court, probation, outside therapy, etc.
• Meet with each shift bi-monthly for group supervision around strengths/challenges. Submit documentation of meetings within 48 hours to site director/NSP residential director.
• Meet w/ NSP residential director bi-monthly; attend all meetings/trainings as assigned.
• Ensure all shifts maintain a minimum of a 1 to 4. In the case the unit (on any and all shifts) is short staffed the group leader is required to fill in.
• Support SCM trainings upon certification.
• Collaborate with all services providers both internally/externally to meet needs of youth.
• Support residents in working on treatment activities and petitioning for phase in a timely fashion.
• Hold all shifts accountable (morning, evening, over-night Monday through Sunday) to follow the schedule and implement all activities as required.
• Attend no less than 3 treatment planning conferences per resident per month (1stmtg, 3rd month meeting and final discharge meeting).
• Organize resident drop off and pick up, assign staff as needed and ensure all residents are back in the facility no later than 5pm on Sunday.
• Attend all special events e.g., family day, St. John’s day, community service projects, trips, etc.
• Additionally, beyond the aforementioned statements, perform any and all tasks as assigned by program leadership.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Associate's Degree in Human Services or related field preferred
• Must have a minimum 1year experience working with vulnerable youth
• Individual must be well versed in the MYSI approach/standards, experience facilitating group meetings in an NSP setting utilizing the MYSI approach, knowledge of NSP programming.
• A valid driver’s license and strong communication skills with the ability to manage appointments (i.e., medical, court, probation, therapy, etc.) for all of the residents.

Disclaimer

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of a person in this position.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

With more than 250 years of combined experience, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and St. John’s Residence for Boys have a long-standing history of serving children, youth, adults and families of color. Our mission, vision and values are grounded in elevating the shared humanity of every staff member, community partner and those with whom we engage. We recognize that our DEIB work is continuously evolving as we strive for equity and inclusion for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, religions and lived experiences.

Accessibility

Some job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may be designed to protect the safety and health of the employee, their fellow employees and the individuals being served and may therefore exclude some individuals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

St. John’s Residence for Boys provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected group status.