Youth Development Counselor (Barbara Blum)

Job Description

Job Description

Are you looking to make a difference in a child’s life? Do you love helping people reach their full potential? Do you want to feel good about the job you are doing? If you answered yes to all these questions, then we want you to join our team! We are looking for a dynamic and compassionate Youth Development Counselors to work in our Residential Programs. In this role you will take a caring, personal approach to meeting youth’s basic needs while providing physical and emotional safety.

Job Title: Youth Development Counselor

Reports to: Residential Life Supervisor; Barbara Blum Close to Home Non-Secure Placement

Location: 480 Vermont Avenue, Brooklyn NY, 11207

Hours: 40/hours Non-Exempt. Position requires staff to be onsite. Must be available for Day, Evening and/or Overnight Shift. Some weekends will be required.

Salary Range : $20-$22 per hour

Major Duties:

• Provide direct supervision and be accountable for the whereabouts of residents at all times.
• Manage residents' behavior; maintain order.
• Implement daily living routines, schedules and procedures.
• Ensure the safety of the residents and maintain security and high standard of cleanliness throughout the residence.
• Provide individual and group counseling for residents and, when appropriate, work with residents' families and participate in youth and family development. Coordinate court ordered visits which includes supervised home visits, day passes and facility visits, etc. (Visits suspended during use as quarantine house.)
• Maintain records, logs, reports and adhere to documentation requirements.
• Participate in the planning and execution of educational, recreational, and personal enrichment activities.
• Ensure the proper care and supervision of supplies and agency equipment.
• Participate in ongoing meetings, conferences and training programs.
• Interact and communicate with Good Shepherd staff in matters related to, but not limited to, the needs of the residents and the program in general.
• Providing safe transportation for residents for court ordered appointments. (Not during use as quarantine house.)
• Attend all mandatory training required by DYFJ (Department of Youth Family Justice ) and GSS.
• Responsible for adhering to all DYFJ and OCFS regulations.
• Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model tools: safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, red flag reviews, treatment planning conferences (or similar), and self-care in the department/program to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
• Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
• Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Valid New York State driver’s license required.
• Must be able to complete and pass all components of required physical intervention training.
• Must successfully complete a pre-hire physical ability test.
• Ability to perform physical restraint of youth using approved restraint procedures.
• Must be capable of sustained physical exertion and have no limitations on ability to engage in necessary physical intervention activities including but not limited to: standing, twisting, turning, kneeling, and supporting a participant’s body weight.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth development, and trauma-informed perspective.

Additional Qualifications:

• Must be able to successfully complete state-mandated crisis intervention training within two months of hire
• Must successfully complete a pre-hire physical ability test.
• Ability to perform physical restraint of youth using approved restraint procedures.
• Must be capable of sustained physical exertion and have no limitations on ability to engage in necessary physical intervention activities including but not limited to: standing, twisting, turning, kneeling, and supporting a participant’s body weight.