Youth Development Counselor

Position Overview:The Youth Development Counselors ensure an effective therapeutic milieu is established and ingrained in all aspects of the program through the application of best practices in their work with youth and families. The primary role of this position is to establish a healthy relationship with each participant in the group and provide guidance, modeling, and opportunities for pregnant and parenting teens, as well as runaway and homeless youth, to learn social, independent living and parenting skills. The YDC must act as a mature and positive role model at all times in order to create and/or enhance the overall therapeutic environment. The YDC must work closely with other team members and with community schools, families, and other community resources as needed.Position Qualifications:High School Diploma/GED -AA / BA Degree. Experience and a demonstrated knowledge of adolescent and child development. Candidate should have experience with group work, family work, and a commitment to working with pregnant and parenting adolescents and their families. Ability to work with culturally diversified individuals. Ability to conduct training and on-going workshops; ability to plan events. Must have knowledge and experience in child development, safety, and nutrition; adult learning principles, and family dynamics. Must be a strong communicator and have the ability to motivate others. Must have knowledge of community resources and skills to link families with appropriate agencies and services. Ability to establish professional boundaries and engage in professional behaviors that emulate a high level of ethics and objective/non-judgmental approaches.The Children’s Village does not discriminate against any employee, prospective employee or contractor because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic predisposition, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction history or any other protected classification under federal, state or local law.