Youth Support Counselor
Location
Bayshore, NY
Reports To
Program Manager
Department
L.I. Residential Programs
Schedule
Full Time / Onsite
Pay
$20/hour PLUS $3/Hour differential
Hiring Incentive
$1,000 after 500 worked hours
Agency Background
MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since 1894. Today our agency continues to address the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions.
Program Background
The children in this group home are girls ages 13-17, who have experienced serious trauma, often including physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and abandonment. In our small group home, we can give each youth individual attention and focus on providing a wide array of services, clinical therapies including art therapy and appropriate recreation opportunities all in a setting where the youth can thrive. Our goal is to help our children heal from the past while learning the skills needed for their future.
Position Summary
The Youth Support Counselor is responsible for supervising and providing emotional support to our youth. After completing extensive training, you will be able to utilize a strengths-based, trauma informed approach to working with our children. This position reports to the Sr. Program Manager with further support from the treatment team and the Program’s Assistant Director.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- 1 year of related experience working with children/youth is preferred
- Ability to accurately document children’s activities
- Valid driver’s license strongly preferred
- Ability and willingness to work varied shifts including evenings and weekends
- Must successfully complete all required training
- Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s Mission, core values, Sanctuary commitments and social justice.
Responsibilities
- Maintain a safe and secure environment for our youth
- Maintain consistent daily routines of the living unit in accordance with Agency policy and treatment plan
- Supervise clients’ attendance/participation at structured activities (i.e., school, reaction, chores, meals)
- Implement treatment team recommendations
- Report behaviors believed to be symptomatic or emotional, physical, or psychological disturbances
- Document clients’ behaviors and activities
- Safely transport clients to scheduled appointments, recreation events, etc.
- Aid children in learning independent living skills (i.e., basic hygiene, dress, cooking)
- Aid youth in completing homework assignments
Benefits/Perks
- A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family (fulltime required)
- 403B retirement benefits
- Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
- Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, 12 paid holidays for fulltime, sick leave based on hours worked)
- Free employee assistance program through National EAP
- Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
- Trainings to support professional and personal development
- Employee wellness program
- Employee recognition activities