Youth Counselor

Youth Counselor

Gila River Indian Community

Salary: $22.10 - $27.70 Hourly

Location: 525 North Access Road, 85147, Sacaton, AZ

Job Type: Part-Time (No Benefits) Department: Employment and Training

Closing Date: 05/15/2026

Job Number: 26-254-6

Tribal Driving Permit Required: Yes

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

The Youth Counselor provides youth with an individualized academic/vocational assessment that leads to the development of a viable career plan. This position conducts individual and group counseling sessions with youth to determine academic/vocational goals. The Youth Counselor monitors all youth program participants, develops worksites, and educational programs.

Essential Functions:

• Counsel youth regarding worksite problems, social adjustment problems, work attitudes, and other related issues; Monitor assigned youth programs and worksites.
• Document youth progress daily or monthly; Review participant attendance sheets to ensure accuracy.
• Work with education program staff to ensure activities are appropriate for youth.
• Develop employment plan that meets the requirements of funding agency performance standards.
• Conduct group and individual vocational/orientation sessions.
• Maintain a caseload of 30 plus participants, which includes maintaining clear and consistent case files for department records.
• Refer youth to appropriate Tribal agencies for additional services.
• Drive van for special tours and workshops for summer programs; Chaperone youth on assigned tours and/or workshops.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Ability:

• Knowledge of chemical dependency and other issues affecting Native American Youth.
• Knowledge of moderate to advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to learn be non-judgmental, and work well with others in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to write clear and concise case notes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to be highly organized.
• Ability to meet department and federal/state deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet specified deadlines.
• Ability to comply with funding performance standards and objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.

Required Education and Experience:

• Thirty (30) college credits from an accredited college or university and one (1) year experience working with youth or counseling youth.
• Associate's degree or sixty (60) college credits from an accredited college or university is preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Required to pass a background and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout duration of employment.
• Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Sections 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly.
• Required to obtain a Tribal Operator's permit. Valid state driver's license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission of the application.
• Required mandatory reporter pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 2 (7.205), B.
• Required to attend Title 7 Mandatory Reporting training on a yearly basis.

Reports to Director or designee

Benefits: The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.