YOUTH COUNSELOR (RTA)

Position Description:

Under the supervision of the Cottage Supervisor, the Youth Counselor is responsible for all aspects of the 24-hour out of home treatment program, including the provision of a safe, therapeutic environment for youth, employees, and visitors to campus. The Youth Counselor will function as part of a team with Youth Counselors to assure the safety and therapeutic milieu of the Treatment Environment and in cooperation with leadership from other areas of the Agency. Treatment areas include recreation, independent living, therapeutic milieu, family participation, community involvement, and regular attendance at work.

The Youth Counselor will uphold the core values of the Agency: honesty, education, family, respect, and hope, while functioning as a responsible leader for providing safety and support within the Treatment Environment Program, including but not limited to, the enforcement of the agency program and policies according to the Employee Handbook, regulatory requirements of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), program handbook, and other areas of oversight as required by agency contract or regulatory authority.

Variations:

Team Leader: Responsible for holding a meeting at the start of every shift to plan and assign supervision of youth, implement program schedule, and accommodate treatment activities. Must maintain a physical headcount throughout shift. Hold meetings with staff at end of every shift to coordinate quality

improvement review.

Activities Coordinator: Responsible for posting an activity schedule for and implementing all program activities, including both intramural and interscholastic athletics, one week in advance. Activities must be coordinated for use of space and resources. Each shift should include opportunities for choice activities.

Position Requirements:

h High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelors degree / Associates degree in Psychology,

Social Work, Education, or related human services preferred.

h One to three years direct work experience in child and family treatment or related field required; non-

profit experience preferred, with proven expertise in child and family welfare, residential treatment,

juvenile justice, or related.

h Proven excellent written and verbal communication skills

h Certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (6th Ed.)

h Certification in Mandated Reporter

h Ability to work independently and as a part of an interdisciplinary team.

h Must have tact, discretion, and experience handling sensitive and confidential information

while maintaining a professional approach. Must be calm in emergencies.

Position Expectations:

The Youth Counselor will provide direct supervision for youth and assistance to other Youth Counselors in order to ensure the implementation of all program expectations, including the establishment of a safe, therapeutic environment, the complete use of TCI, including Post-Crisis Response techniques, and verification of data collected for reporting practices. Youth Counselors will alternate schedules to attend treatment and cottage meetings and provide full coverage on evening shifts. Youth Counselors are responsible for knowing and implementing all information shared at these meetings on a weekly basis.

Physical Requirements:

h Must be able to negotiate stairs and public transportation

h Must be able to run, sit, bend, kneel, and lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

h Must be able to supervise residents in all program areas in a safe manner

Working Conditions:

h 40-hour work-week, with regular attendance at work and availability for flexible scheduling; Evening and Weekend hours required

h Benefits as outlined in the Employee Handbook