Overnight Youth Counselor

General Statement of Duties

The Youth Counselor assists the Shift Supervisor in providing direct daily supervision and monitoring of children in care of the Journey of Hope LTFC program. Final approval for hire will be done by the Project Officer of the Office of Refugee and Resettlement which is a sub-agency of the Department of Health and Human Services of the federal government.

Essential Functions

• Uphold the agency’s mission, values, and professional standards.
• Maintain positive, respectful relationships with youth, staff, families, and community partners.
• Provide continuous supervision and care for children and youth, including those with special needs.
• Ensure safety by monitoring environments, securing hazardous items, conducting regular checks, and responding to emergencies.
• Support youth development through positive behavior management, conflict resolution, life skills coaching, and culturally sensitive care.
• Follow individualized treatment plans, behavioral support strategies, and approved intervention methods.
• Aid in medication administration, medical appointments, health monitoring, and communication of medical information.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries, privacy, dignity, and respect for all youth.
• Prepare meals, maintain cleanliness of living spaces, vehicles, equipment, and supplies.
• Complete required documentation, incident reports, medical reports, and other records accurately and on time.
• Transport youth safely while following agency and traffic safety requirements.
• Conduct intake/orientation activities for new youth and support daily program operations.
• Follow all agency policies, accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and safety procedures.
• Participate in required training and promptly report any legal matters affecting employment eligibility.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum one year of experience working with children; residential care or human services experience preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation, electronic records, and medical files.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and ability to operate agency vehicles.
• Must obtain required background clearances (Act 33/34 and FBI).
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years old.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform essential job duties in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Capable of verbal crisis de-escalation and implementing CPI intervention techniques.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Frequent walking, stair climbing, and other physically active duties.
• Clear verbal communication in person and by telephone.

Holy Family Institute Mission Duties

Holy Family Institute (HFI) is a 120-year-old Catholic organization with an impeccable history of serving children and families in the Pittsburgh Region. We are one of Pittsburgh’s largest social service organizations operating 15 programs in three counties. We are an independent organization guided by Catholic Social Teachings and serving people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Commitment to Social Justice

Holy Family Institute and its affiliated organizations are committed to an environment that respects and values every human being and individual differences. We will invest time and resources to create an inclusive environment for all of our stakeholders. This means we will respect diversity that includes race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, disability, language, and sexual orientation. We also believe that we should be “Faithful Listeners” and embrace diversity of ideas, perspectives, and values. We believe in providing access, opportunity, fair treatment, and advancement for all people. Believing that “God is Found in Everyday Activities” we will do our best to eliminate barriers that prevent full participation in our programs and services. We believe “Loving Relationships” means that all are welcome, all are neighbors, and there are no exceptions. With this belief we aim to create an environment in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supportive, and valued.

EEO Statement

Holy Family Institute is an equal opportunity employer.