Youth Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Title :   Youth Counselor

Schedule :   Tuesday-Saturday 3 : OOpm-11 : 00pm

Summary of Duties : The Youth Counselor is responsible for all aspects of group living, role modeling solution oriented, strength-based counseling techniques in a non-judgmental, non-authoritarian atmosphere. Youth Counselors provide information about Compass House programs and philosophy. Youth Counselors model appropriate empathy and non-judgmental acceptance, employing relationship-building techniques that enhance and nurture the development of a functional helping relationship. The Youth Counselor will work with the Director of Youth Services, other counselors, volunteers, and interns in maintaining the residence, providing adequate nutritional meals, and conducting program activities which enhance residents’ self-esteem, basic skills and information level, including communication, decision making and problem-solving skills. The Youth Counselor is responsible for the maintenance of the safety and security of all residents, staff, and maintains and models a high degree of situational awareness of residents and residence, while respecting resident’s right and privacy.

Accountability :   The Youth Counselor is accountable to the Shelter Director, who is responsible for ongoing supervision and mentoring.

Responsibilities and Examples of Work :

Conducts crisis phone counseling per requests for emergency shelter and other intervention per client needs.

Conducts intake interview and client assessment to determine need, eligibility, and admissions procedure as appropriate, per Compass House Intake Policies and Procedures :

• secure appropriate history
• secure confidentiality releases
• discuss and secure client’s agreement to work within Compass House philosophy
• complete legally required notification
• initiate CPS or DSS procedures as appropriate
• initiate appropriate case management steps

Supervises admission into program, including house tour, explanation of rules, room assignment, fire safety procedures, introduction to other residents.

Plans and implements daily programming in the House around basic daily living skills development, including but not limited to budgeting and meal planning, food preparation, cooking and clean-up, laundry, personal hygiene and household maintenance and management skills.

Conducts and documents periodic fire drills and fire safety awareness sessions on all shifts.

Solicits youth involvement in activity planning to enhance development independent living skills, including but not limited to money management, apartment acquisition, furnishing and maintenance, job skills training, recreation, group, and peer relationship building.

Assists in training, mentoring, supervision and evaluation of student interns and volunteers.

Maintains a safe, clean, orderly environment for residents and other staff.

Assists in property accountability, including games, crafts, and sports equipment.

Maintains records such as logs, contact sheets, and other pertinent information in a timely and dependable manner.

Shares pertinent information about residents and program with other staff, volunteers, and interns.

Participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and supervisory sessions as scheduled.

Provides medical care as appropriate in loco parentis.

Answers phone and door as needed.

Provides supervision for computer activities.

Any other task or responsibility as requested by the Supervisor or Director.

Special Conditions : Youth Counselors must be available for a variety of work schedules to provide dependable consistent staff coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Qualifications :   High School Diploma or GED plus two years of college with continuation of college in progress or planned. Strong interest in working with adolescent.