Community-Based Prevention Counselor

Center for Youth Services•Rochester, NY

About The Position

The Community-Based Counselor provides ongoing individual and family counseling to youth and families seeking Center services, and completes the comprehensive assessment started by the triage/intake counselor. The average caseload is 15–20 cases. The counselor provides crisis intervention, family counseling, and information and referral services as needed. The position delivers prevention counseling throughout The Center for Youth’s Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs and other community partner programs. This is a full-time, 12-month position scheduled for 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Counselors must occasionally work outside their regular hours to meet the needs of the youth served. Pay is $20–$21 per hour. Offers may be contingent on a background check and a driving record and automobile insurance that meet agency insurance carrier requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field and two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination; a master’s degree is preferred.
Valid driver’s license.
Strong knowledge of and experience in chemical dependency and problem gambling prevention counseling.
Strong literacy and communication skills.
Strong knowledge of adolescent development, including positive youth development, asset development, risk reduction, and protective factors.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Advanced knowledge of Internet Explorer.

Nice To Haves

CPP, ICPS, or CASAC credential, or advanced training in chemical dependency prevention.
Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments and intake.
Provide individual and family counseling.
Assess substance use or abuse, problem gambling, and other risk factors.
Provide crisis intervention.
Assess readiness and make referrals.
Provide chemical dependency and gambling prevention counseling, groups, and activities.
Advocate for youth.
Facilitate parent groups using research- or science-based curricula.
Maintain client confidentiality.
Conduct community outreach and network with other agencies and providers.
Participate in individual and group supervision.
Transport clients when required.