Youth Support Counselor

About the Role

MercyFirst is seeking a Youth Support Counselor to supervise and provide emotional support to teen mothers and their babies/toddlers in a prenatal, postnatal, and parenting group home. The role involves using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to help teen mothers develop good parenting skills. This position reports to the Program Manager with additional support from the treatment team and Program Director.

Schedule

• Shift times: 3:00pm-11:00pm and 11:00pm-7:00am (overnight shift)
• Shift assignments are determined by the Program Manager based on program needs and required staffing coverage
• Flexibility to work both shift times is expected
• Must be willing to work varied shifts including evenings and weekends

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe and secure environment for youth and babies/toddlers
• Maintain consistent daily routines of the living unit in accordance with Agency policy and treatment plan
• Supervise clients' attendance/participation at structured activities (school, recreation, 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.
• Assist children in learning independent living skills (basic hygiene, dress, cooking)
• Assist youth in completing homework assignments and learning parenting skills

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1 year of related experience working with children/youth (preferred)
• Prior experience with babies and toddlers (strongly 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 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family (full-time required)
• 403B retirement benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, 12 paid holidays for full-time, sick leave based on hours worked)
• Free employee assistance program through National EAP
• Insurance discounts for staff and their families
• Trainings to support professional and personal development
• Employee wellness program
• Employee recognition activities

Pay

• $20/hour
• $1,000 hiring incentive after 500 worked hours