Job Description
Job Description
Position Summary
The Community Care – Youth Development Counselor provides immediate, trauma-informed support during behavioral or emotional crises affecting youth within the RTC community. This role ensures safety and de-escalates high-stress situations by promoting consistent implementation of Individualized Crisis Support Plans (ICSPs).
Key Responsibilities
Crisis Response & Stabilization
- Respond to behavioral and emotional crises by supporting de-escalation, ensuring safety and facilitating post-incident reflection.
- Stabilize individuals and environments, ensuring physical and emotional safety
- Support re-entry into the program or setting after the crisis subsides
- Assist with the supervision of youth during transition and mass movement around campus.
- Conduct authorized searches in accordance with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations
Intervention Planning
Assist in updating individualized crisis prevention and response plansParticipate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings to provide insight and feedback.Recommend intervention strategies based on observations and incident trendsDocumentation & Compliance
Document critical incidents in accordance with agency, regulatory, and licensing requirements.Monitor trends and provide summaries to leadership for review and analysisSupport mandated reporting and emergency response proceduresTraining & Capacity Building
Model effective de-escalation and intervention techniques from the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Model.Support new hire and ongoing training efforts related to behavior managementReinforce a culture of safety, respect, and accountabilityCollaboration & Communication
Participate in post-incident debriefs and process improvement effortsPerforms other functions as assignedMinimum Requirements
Valid NYS driver’s licenseHigh School Diploma or GEDExperience handling groups of children & teens, preferably in a residential setting.Ability to participate in mandated initial TCI training during weekday evenings upon hire.Fluent English reading, writing, speaking, computer skills necessary to record observations and monitor reports.Special qualifications
Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth in residential, behavioral health, or crisis response settingsUnderstanding of trauma-informed care, behavioral support strategies, and adolescent developmentStrong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skillsAbility to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressureProficient in electronic documentation systems and incident reportingWork Conditions / Availability
Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts as neededRequires frequent movement between program locations and the ability to respond quickly in active situationsRegular exposure to high-stress scenarios and emotional intensityFull-time positions are available. Positions require at least one weekend shift.