Residential Youth Counselor (24425)

About the role

Provide daily therapeutic care and programming according to agency policy and governing bodies' (DSS, OMH, JCAHO, etc.) requirements for elementary-aged children on our Albany campus. You will report to the Residential Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Provide for the physical and psychological needs of clients, including physical safety, hygiene, clothing, food, cooking, medical care, and providing a reliable and nurturing environment.
• Follow an individual youth’s 1:1 expectations plan, ICMP, and any safety plans in place.
• Engage the youth in activities and conversation that are age-appropriate and at the appropriate developmental level.
• Document in writing a summary of each shift.
• Learn the history and specific issues associated with the youth who requires 1:1; learn how to safely manage any crisis.
• Seek and obtain training in any particular area specific to the youth who requires 1:1 care.
• Transport 1:1 client for medical, mental health, and other essential needs.
• Work within a trauma-informed framework of the program, including identifying and using coping/safety plans, maintaining consistency, providing regular routine, and controlling own response to youth.
• Engage and form positive relationships with all youth served.
• Complete all mandatory trainings according to programmatic guidelines.
• Display basic competency in TCI techniques.
• Follow outlined program routines, therapeutic plans of youth, and program rules and protocols.
• Work as part of a team including colleague residential counselors, clinicians, on-call staff, supervisors, and other administrative and functional support staff.
• Maintain respectful and appropriate communication with internal and external customers, including county workers, medical staff, and parents.
• Complete and maintain documentation to meet programmatic and regulatory standards.
• Transport clients for medical, mental health, and other essential needs.

RC2 – Additional Responsibilities

• Facilitate groups/coached visitation, understanding and applying curriculum and appropriate practice models, e.g., DBT, SAY, etc.
• Take on specific leadership responsibilities for dorm/cottage, including coordinating activities and participating in program-wide committees.
• Must have the ability, skill, and knowledge to take a lead role in a team.
• Form positive relationships with more challenging youth and families.

RC3 – Additional Responsibilities

• Display critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to residential program needs.
• Display good judgment and decision-making related to all program routines, therapeutic plans of youth, and program rules and protocols.
• Lead, delegate, and plan work for other team members.

Requirements

• Must be 20 years or older.
• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Experience working with emotionally disturbed population.
• A valid, clean New York State driver's license is required.
• Must pass physical.
• Must be able to complete TCI training.

RC1 – Additional Requirements

• Experience with emotionally disturbed population is preferred.

RC2 – Additional Requirements

• At least six months of related experience is required with demonstrated competency in Level 1 essential job duties.
• One year of related experience is desired.

RC3 – Additional Requirements

• At least one year of related experience is required with demonstrated competency in Level 2 essential job responsibilities.
• Two years or more related experience is desired.

Benefits

• Health care package: medical, dental, and vision.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid time off.
• Holiday pay.
• 401(k) plan.
• Life insurance.
• Loan repayment assistance.
• Free training/CEU opportunities.

About Northern Rivers

At Northern Rivers Family of Services, we work together to make a difference in our clients' lives. Northern Rivers empowers children, adults, and families to change their lives and build stronger communities.