Direct Support Counselor, BOP

About the role

At Abraxas Youth and Family Services, we seek compassionate, dedicated professionals to join our Bureau of Prisons Unit as Youth Development Specialists. This role involves providing supervision, guidance, mentoring, and direction to at-risk youth, ensuring their safety and security.

Responsibilities

• Follows standard operating procedures, program policy and procedures, and client interventions processes.
• Interacts with and supervises clients during daily activities in a manner that ensures their safety and security.
• Provides effective facility security including conducting headcounts, room checks, and observing client movement.
• Observes client behavior and intervenes appropriately using appropriate client intervention skills and Safe Crisis Management (SCM) techniques.
• Facilitates and documents various groups or meetings; monitors the documentation process to ensure all services are documented as necessary each shift.
• Supports and promotes the Sanctuary Model and its Commitments.
• Maintains a safe, therapeutic, and structured environment at all times.
• Uses trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive approaches.
• Accurately observes and documents client behaviors, progress, and responses to interventions.
• Collects and documents behavioral data in accordance with program and regulatory standards.
• Completes daily notes, incident reports, and other required documentation within required timeframes.
• Utilizes approved crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques when necessary.
• Follows all safety protocols related to self-harm, aggression, and behavioral escalation.
• Reports safety concerns, incidents, or changes in client status immediately to supervisory/leadership staff.
• Participates in treatment team meetings, supervision, and required training.
• Supports family engagement as directed by the treatment team.
• Maintains client confidentiality and complies with HIPAA and agency policies.
• Follows all Pennsylvania mandated reporter requirements.
• Maintains active certification, clearances, and required ongoing training.
• Complies with program/facility safety systems and building security.
• Demonstrates appropriate use of Safe Crisis Management techniques and skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Passes physical exams that include TB and drug testing.
• Passes federal and state background checks which screen for crimes including, but not limited to drug related crimes, violent crimes, sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and repeated misdemeanors.
• Satisfactory completion of background screening and applicable pre-employment checks, including but not limited to employment and/or personal reference and driving records.
• Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation.
• DailyPay – Access earned wages before payday.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Paid Time Off.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness Programs.
• Employee Referral Bonuses.
• Company-Paid Training.
• Career Growth & Development.
• Professional Development Opportunities.
• Certification Opportunities.
• Career Advancement Opportunities.
• Opportunities Across Multiple Service Lines.

Pay

$23.00 hourly plus $4.93 Health & Welfare.

Schedule

Full-Time. Shifts available: Sunday - Thursday: 3pm - 11pm or Tuesday - Saturday: 3pm - 11pm. Saturday - Sunday: 7am - 11pm. Must be able to work every other weekend!

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and assist individuals as needed.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.