Youth Counselor I - (3:00 PM- 11:30 PM)

About the role

The Therapeutic Youth Counselor I (TYC I) is the heart of our newly designed Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) on the Hope Forward Campus. You’ll join a passionate team launching innovative therapeutic models and creating a dynamic environment where youth can heal, learn, and thrive.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in a brand-new facility purpose-built for healing and innovation.
• Participate as an active member of a therapeutic community of care focused on trauma-responsive, strength-based treatment and transition planning.
• Implement structured daily cottage routines that honor the individual rituals, spiritual, and cultural traditions of youth.
• Stage and lead engaging therapeutic activities, including transportation as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, ensuring supplies and resources are available.
• Support the compliant distribution of self-administered medications.
• Complete documentation and contact notes in accordance with program and funder standards.
• Learn and apply Aspiranet’s core practice models, including:
• Attachment, Regulation & Competency (ARC)
• Youth Thrive / Strengthening Families
• Community Resiliency Model (CRM)
• Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI)
• Professional Assault Crisis Training (ProAct)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Auxiliary responsibilities include assisting youth in amplifying their voice and choice throughout the treatment process.
• Report incidents, progress, and barriers to the supervisory team.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation consistent with agency and licensing standards.
• Attend regular meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions to enhance professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with Community Care Licensing, The Joint Commission, and CA Department of Health Care Services.

Qualifications

• Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Bachelor’s degree in any field (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field preferred), OR
• Valid Child Development Teaching Permit, OR
• Completed 12 semester units in early childhood education, psychology, adolescent development, criminal justice, or foster/kinship care education, OR
• Valid certificate as an alcohol and/or drug counselor, OR
• Previous employment as a staff or volunteer at a group home or STRTP for at least 1 year, OR
• Relevant life experience in child welfare, mental health, juvenile justice, or as a mentor/caregiver for youth who have experienced trauma.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Meet all state conditions for employment in a licensed community care facility, including fingerprint and child abuse index clearance, health/TB screening, and a valid CA driver’s license with a clean record.