Youth Counselor

About the role

Eckerd Connects' Girls Short-Term Juvenile Justice Residential Program is a gender responsive, complete rehabilitative experience delivered in 4 to 6 months for girls ages 13-17. This 20-bed program is for girls who are referred by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DJJ).

Responsibilities

• A positive, supportive role model who guides and influences group activities on a consistent basis that enhances the youth's confidence and self-esteem.
• Youth Counselors ensure the progress and welfare of each client and the group through therapeutic programs.
• Responsible for staff secure supervision during the afternoon, evening, and sleeping hours.
• Lead group of youth through a variety of daily activities while providing group and individual counseling, with an emphasis on strength-based development.
• Ensure successful development of the youth through rational living cognitive behavioral therapy to help youth define their life goals and then help them achieve those goals-pointing out thinking errors and faulty cognitions along the way.

Qualifications

• 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 can substitute youth experience requirement.
• Direct care in a therapeutic/rehabilitative setting preferred.
• Ability to travel about property, through wilderness terrain.
• Must be able to pass evaluation of crisis intervention/physical restraint techniques and 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.
• Responsible for the overall supervision and safety of clients.
• Supervision may include shift work.
• Must be able to 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.
• Required to pass a drug screen in compliance with our Substance Abuse and Drug-Free Workplace policy.

Skills

Ability to work with at-risk youth, provide therapeutic programs, lead group activities, and offer individual counseling.

Benefits

• Low-Cost Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 19 days of Paid Time Off the first year
• 11 paid holidays
• Retail 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
• Extra Benefits
• Meals provided when on duty
• Advancement opportunities
• Overtime availability

Pay

$17.51-$18.57 with opportunity for leadership development, professional growth and advancement.

Schedule

Shift work may be required.