Senior Youth Counselor

Senior Youth Counselors ensures that the residents are cared for in a safe and therapeutic environment and are adequately supervised.  They are responsible for shift leadership, crisis intervention, communication with OMH and other oversight entities in the absence of the Residence Manager and Evening and Weekend Supervisor and other supervisory responsibilities as delegated by the Residence Manager. One year or more experience as a youth counselor and demonstrated leadership qualities required.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:

• Model positive interaction with children and families and with staff.
• Provide individualized care and supervision for each resident.
• Conduct monthly fire drills and complete appropriate paperwork. Ensure that all children in the residence are aware of the fire escape route and staging plan.
• Organize and conduct social/recreational/cultural activities.
• Use strength-based intervention, communication and programming.
• Participate in the service planning and review process.
• Earn F-07 and S-95 Fire Safety Certification within the first 6 months of employment.
• Provide direct care coverage with flexible work hours.
• Facilitate shift meetings to review recent incidents, concerns and client needs.
• Record client progress regarding independent living skills development.
• Provide a therapeutic milieu and promote appropriate socialization.
• Create a warm, caring, home-like environment.
• Deliver services in accordance with service goals and objectives.
• Employ trauma-sensitive practices.
• Accompany, supervise, and provide transportation (when necessary) for appointments, home visits, sibling visits and activities.
• Promote family involvement and reunification as appropriate.
• Provide counseling and support.
• Ensure adherence to the medication regimen and documents as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and behavior management.
• Report incidents, occurrences or untoward events to the supervisor as soon as they occur and complete appropriate paperwork.
• Complete shift reports, shift close out updates and all other documentation in a timely manner, assist in residence household duties and provide oversight for these duties, ensuring completion and delegating remaining tasks to youth counselors on shift (general cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal planning and preparation); train and supervise children in developing these skills.
• Attend supervision and meetings as scheduled.
• Distribute and reconcile petty cash, MetroCard’s, and including the monthly census.
• In conjunction with management, develop staff activities surrounding monthly themes and self-care.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree preferred.
• 1 year or more of relevant child welfare or youth services experiences preferred.
• Therapeutic recreation and National Council Therapeutic Recreation Certification eligibility is preferred.
• Experience working with families of youth with serious emotional disturbance.
• Ability to work and cover all shifts.
• NYS Driver’s License required.

Benefits 

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect: 

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Wellhub Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount.
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.  

About HeartShare

Who WE ARE:

For over one hundred years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives.

To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or Follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook

HeartShare Human Services of New York | Homepage

HeartShare Human Services of New York nurtures and empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.