Youth Counselor
About the Role
Join us as a Youth Counselor and contribute to the positive transformation of at-risk teens in our adolescent residential academy program located in Boomer, North Carolina. Make more than a living—make a difference by providing at-risk youth with the tools to begin their process of change and achieve success.
About Our Program
Eckerd Connects' Short-Term Juvenile Justice Residential program is a complete rehabilitative experience delivered in 4 to 6 months to adjudicated male youth, ages 13 to 17, referred by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Division of Juvenile Justice. This residential treatment concept combines promising and evidence-based practices with a strong family transition component. Intensive, short-term services include individualized treatment and academic plans that combine formal and experiential education, community service, behavioral health, and family counseling in a non-punitive environment designed to address behavioral challenges through a strength-based approach. Youth receive accredited education on-site and work in small group settings with assigned counselors.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a positive, supportive role model who guides and influences group activities consistently to enhance youth's confidence and self-esteem.
- Ensure the progress and welfare of each client and the group through therapeutic programs.
- Provide secure supervision during the afternoon, evening, and sleeping hours.
- Lead groups of youth through daily activities while providing group and individual counseling, with an emphasis on strength-based development.
- Support youth in defining and achieving life goals using rational living cognitive behavioral therapy, addressing thinking errors and faulty cognitions.
- Ensure the overall supervision and safety of clients, including shift work as required.
Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age or older per DJJ Guidelines.
- High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of two years’ relevant experience working with youth is required.
- Bachelor's degree in social/behavioral services or outdoor recreation specialties is preferred.
- 2+ years of college in a social or human services field can substitute for the youth experience requirement.
- Direct care experience in a therapeutic/rehabilitative setting is preferred.
- Ability to travel about the property, including through wilderness terrain.
- Must pass evaluation of crisis intervention/physical restraint techniques and a written certification exam, and use approved techniques as needed.
- Must be able to participate in aquatic activities.
- Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time.
- Constant exposure to outdoors and/or weather conditions.
- Must meet requirements for Eckerd’s Auto Insurance and be able to drive for business purposes.
- Valid and appropriate driver’s license or state identification is required.
- Must pass a drug screen in compliance with our Substance Abuse and Drug-Free Workplace policy.
Benefits
- Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 19 days of paid time off in the first year.
- 11 paid holidays.
- Retirement savings plan with employer match up to 5%.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Paid short-term and voluntary long-term disability.
- Group term life and AD&D insurance.
- Voluntary term life insurance.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
- PTO Exchange.
- Meals provided when on duty.
- Advancement opportunities.
- Overtime availability.
- Eligible for a $2,500 sign-on bonus.
Pay
Hourly rate: $17.51–$18.57 plus a $2,500 sign-on bonus, with opportunities for leadership development, professional growth, and advancement.
Schedule
Day shift, night shift, and PRN positions available.