JYF- Youth Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

JYF Open House

Department:

Justice for Youths & Families

Reports To:

Vice President

Location:

All 5 Boroughs

Employment Type:

Full Time/Per-Diem

Classification:

Exempt & Non-Exempt

About Us

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 72,000 individuals annually. We do this through 101 programs across 138 sites, throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is shown not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in New York City.

Overview

The NSP and LSP placement programs are secure residential settings with 9 to 18 beds. They serve youth (residents) ages 11 to 21 who have been adjudicated juvenile delinquents and are placed under supervision to complete their sentence. The Youth Counselor is responsible for building positive relationships with the youth and ensuring their safety, care, supervision, and emotional support. The goal is to help each young person work toward becoming a productive member of society. This position involves direct physical intervention during emergencies, following agency safety protocols.

Please join us for an open house!

Roles Available: Youth Counselor $42,840-$46,920, Support Staff $46,920, Group Leader $75,000, Assistant Resident Manager $75,000

When: October 14, 2026 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Where: 123 WILLIAM STREET, 6th FLR NEW YORK, NY 10038

Please Use the link below to register 

Rising Ground Open House: Rising Ground Open House – Fill out form

Immediate Offers will be made!!!

Job Descriptions will be shared during interviews.

Required Qualifications

• Valid NYS Driver’s License  REQUIRED
• High School Diploma 
• Associate’s degree + 2 Years of Direct Services in Mental Health or Juvenile Justice Programming Bachelor’s Degree + 1 Year of Direct Services in Mental Health or Juvenile Justice Programming preferred.
• This position requires successful completion of Safe Crisis Management (SCM) training, which includes both a written assessment and a physical demonstration of restraint techniques, as outlined by the program and regulatory requirements. Ongoing employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all required SCM refresher courses. SCM training is provided by the organization

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Yes/No

Work Environment

Work locations are at an assigned juvenile justice facility throughout the five boroughs

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a 40-hour- non-exempt position. Mandatory overtime is to be expected based on the needs of the program on various shifts. This is not a work from home position. Staff are paid for 8 hours straight time and are expected to eat with residents during mealtime. Availability for any three shifts 7:30 am - 3:30 pm / 3:30 pm - 11:30 pm / 11:30 pm - 7:30 am. Some weekends will be required.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform routine office and support tasks (e.g., using computers, phones, printers, and climbing stairs), and travel between Rising Ground sites. Must also be able to perform approved physical restraints with youth. Youth Counselor must possess the physical strength, stamina and agility to support weights equivalent or greater than their own body weight up to 250lbs.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary structure
• Health (3 plan options), dental (2 plan options), and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO policy (11 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Time, Paid Vacation & Paid Personal Days)
• Remote / flexible work options (If applicable)

Additional Requirements

• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Ability to work in-person in New York City (NYC) at least 3 days per week
• Ability to travel to other Rising Ground sites (if required)

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Rising Ground that the Agency wholly complies with equal treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to an individual’s perceived or actual race, creed, color, national origin, alienate, citizenship status, gender, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or veteran status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.