Program Counselor
About The Position
The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) provides services and programs to youth throughout the juvenile justice process. Its goals include preventing youth from entering the juvenile justice system, providing therapeutic treatment and services to youth in custodial care, and helping young people leave the system for good. Life Skills, Education and Programs (LEAP) provides education support, workforce development, and enrichment programs to youth in secure and non-secure DYFJ facilities. LEAP oversees programming and services for court-involved youth, develops programs for youth and families, and works with stakeholders to identify trends, track data, and provide relevant training and staff development. The Program Counselor develops and implements cultural, educational, and recreational programming for youth in Secure Detention, working with Youth Development Specialists, contracted providers, and the Department of Education. The position also works directly with youth, supports provider and facility projects, evaluates programs, coordinates vendor compliance and performance, and helps train staff and providers.
Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties described; or
- High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties described; or
- Equivalent education and/or experience to either of the above qualifications. All candidates must have at least one year of qualifying community-work or community-centered-activities experience.
Responsibilities
- Work with Youth Development Specialists, contracted providers, and the Department of Education to develop and implement cultural, educational, and recreational programming for Secure Detention youth throughout the year.
- Develop monthly activities, workshops, and programs.
- Work directly with youth to create and implement activities that promote teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Build youth self-confidence and contribute to violence reduction through activities and relationship-building.
- Encourage healthy lifestyles through sports, physical exercise, and good nutrition.
- Support facilities and contracted providers with special projects, workshops, and other events as needed.
- Evaluate internal and external programs through observation, surveys of residents and staff, and other appropriate methods; provide feedback and recommendations for improvement.
- Liaise with DYFJ contracted programs and the contract management unit to ensure vendor clearance submissions, tracking, and management, and certify vendor compliance with contracts.
- Develop monthly provider meetings and progress reports, and annual vendor performance evaluations.
- Learn and develop new programming modules and assist in training staff and contracted providers to implement them.
- Perform other duties related to youth cultural, educational, and recreational needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
