Youth Development Counselor

A Career with Little Flower

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York is a nonprofit organization that has worked to improve the well-being of children, youth, families, and people with developmental disabilities across New York City and Long Island since 1929. Our staff of more than 500 provides prevention services, foster care, residential treatment care, adoption services, medical and mental health services, and programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

A career with Little Flower can be rewarding in so many ways. We are looking for conscientious and caring people who are ready to commit to the work of strengthening families and supporting the well-being of children and adults with developmental disabilities. If you’re looking for a career where you can truly make a difference, we hope you will consider joining our team.  

Youth Development Counselor Summary Job Description

Supervises the daily activities of children who are under the care of the agency and performs related work as required. Responsible for the behavior, safety, and custody of a group of children residing in an agency-operated facility.  Work is performed during an assigned shift and the nature of the daily routine to be followed is affected by the shift assignment.  Work requires dealing with children with emotional problems and the employee is expected to handle all situations in a calm and effective manner.  Assignments are received from a Residential Supervisor. 

Principle Responsibilities

• Supervises the activities of the children residing in the cottage; ensures that rules and procedures are followed.
• Depending on the shift assignment, may assist in organizing, supervising and participating in recreational and other group activities which may involve driving clients.
• Instructs children on personal hygiene; supervises and participates in maintaining the cleanliness of the cottage.
• Depending on the shift assignment, may be expected to prepare and supervise meals and assist in the housekeeping of the residence.
• Enters information concerning activity of residents during shift into the Cottage Log; prepares incident reports as required.

Special qualifications

• Some knowledge of the methods and techniques of dealing with adolescent behavior, of group leadership and of appropriate disciplinary procedures.
• Ability to gain and hold the confidence of the children and to maintain a sympathetic and understanding attitude towards them.
• Ability to understand and follow the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the care and safety of children under care.
• Ability to keep routine records and to make oral and written reports.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Thorough knowledge of appropriate restraint techniques.

Minimum Requirements

• Valid NYS driver’s license 
  
• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience in 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
  

Availability:

At this time we are recruiting for full-time and part-time positions. Positions require at least one weekend shift. 

Compensation

Starting at $17.00/hour. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected group status