Youth Development Counselor

Description:

Employee’s Name: Job Title: Youth Development Counselor

Supervisor: Director of Youth Development

Department: Residential FLSA Status: Per Diem– Non-Exempt

Salary Range: USD $17.00 to USD $20.07 Location: Springfield Gardens, NY

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

We seek a passionate and dedicated Youth Development Counselor to join our team. As a Youth Development Counselor, you will guide, support, and mentor young individuals, helping them navigate challenges and develop essential life skills. Your role will involve creating and implementing developmentally appropriate programs and activities, conducting one-on-one counseling sessions, facilitating group discussions, and collaborating with other professionals to ensure the holistic well-being of the youth.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the safety and security of all MDPYFS residents, remaining vigilant and attentive.
• Maintain awareness of the whereabouts of all assigned youth on the agency roster.
• Monitor the physical and mental health and overall well-being of residents.
• Foster positive relationships with youth, establishing a safe and supportive atmosphere.
• Ensure that youth receive necessary medical and social-emotional support when required.
• Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSP) to address the unique needs of residents.
• Offer counseling and mentorship to assist youth in developing life skills, self-esteem, and resilience.
• Organize and lead group activities, workshops, and discussions covering topics such as leadership, conflict resolution, the Lasallian culture of care, and career development.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support the holistic development of youth.
• Assist and engage in various safe and enjoyable leisure activities suitable for young adolescent men.
• Enforce compliance with all MDPYFS rules and procedures among residents.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of youth, adjusting intervention strategies as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records, including progress reports.
• Adhere to state regulations, standards, and MDPYFS policies and procedures while overseeing youth both within and outside the residence.
• Provide transportation for residents to appointments, visits, outings, etc.
• Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and resources related to youth development and mentoring.
• Participate in meetings as directed by members of the leadership team.
• Pursue personal and professional development, including mandatory training for compliance and agency requirements.
• Perform household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry as needed.
• Support the overall strategic plan of the organization.
• Demonstrate adherence to the organization's core values and commitments.
• Fulfill any other duties as assigned by members of the leadership team.

SKILLS and ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Proficiency in communicating effectively and articulating clearly with both residents and staff.
• Capability to establish and maintain a consistent, structured environment for residents.
• Aptitude to handle special needs residents with challenging, occasionally aggressive behaviors.
• Readiness to extend service to residents beyond regular work hours.
• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of residents' personal information.
• Availability to work during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Understanding and integrating the "Lasallian Culture of Care" as a guiding work philosophy.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with the parents/guardians of special needs residents.
• Proficiency in advocating effectively for residents under your care.
• Flexibility to work varying hours as needed.
• Capacity to demonstrate empathy, patience, and the ability to build trust with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Competence in safely operating a vehicle.
• Willingness to engage in normative experiences with residents, including dining, social events, and outings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• While fulfilling this role, the Youth Development Counselor (YDC) must actively engage with and be involved in the activities of the youth. These tasks may encompass but are not confined to, cooking, aiding in cleaning, driving, participating in sports, and de-escalating situations. Moreover, this position may occasionally present emotional challenges when working with our youth.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

• This position is subject to assignments at any MDPYFS location as directed by management. Work hours are variable, contingent upon the agency's requirements, and may include extended shifts, overnight, holiday, and weekend hours as necessary.
• You may be required to work beyond your scheduled hours for various reasons. Every effort will be made to provide advance notice of such changes, although unforeseen circumstances may prevent this. Overtime compensation will be provided if overtime work is required.

TRAVEL:

• Travel primarily consists of local daytime trips, occasionally extending to overnight stays. However, there may be occasions where out-of-area or even out-of-state travel is necessary and mandated.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATIONAL:

High School Diploma or GED is a requirement.

Associate or Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Requires at least six (6) months to one year of experience working with adolescent youth.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

Basic computer skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

LICENSE and ACTIVE CERTIFICATION:

A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are necessary.

CPR/First Aid certification.

Training in Safe Crisis Management (SCM).

Mandated Reporter certification.

Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care principles.

Familiarity with the Lasallian Culture of Care (LCC).

Compliance with any additional requirements mandated by agency or oversight bodies.

Food Handlers Certificate

Fire Safety Certificate (F-07)

BACKGROUND VERIFICATION and CLEARANCE:

Verification of credentials.

Medical and physical clearance, including TB screening.

Clearance from the State Central Registry (SCR).

Screening against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL).

Completion of a Justice Center Background Check.

Review of motor vehicle driving record.

Verification of references.

Compliance with Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law, which requires an authorized agency to inquire about any child abuse and maltreatment reports involving candidates for positions with child-caring responsibilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Capability to fulfill the role's physical demands, including standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and climbing.

Completion of Safety Crisis Management (SCM) Training, which includes a written exam and demonstration of competency in physical restraint techniques as outlined by program guidelines and regulatory standards. Completing required SCM refresher courses is necessary for continued employment with MDPYFS.