Secure Detention Counselor I (5552)

Together for Youth • Town of Colonie, NY

2d • $31 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

The Secure Detention Counselor position is responsible for creating a safe, therapeutic, and caring environment for youth in a secure detention setting. The goal of this role is to ensure basic needs are met, with a primary emphasis on proper supervision and meaningful interaction across all aspects of the program—including facility, recreational, and educational activities. Counselors support youth by teaching social skills through relationship-building and positive role-modeling.

Requirements

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in human service, juvenile justice, youth residential treatment corrections or other related experience with children and young adults.
• Relevant experience should involve supervising youth, mentoring, providing crisis support or managing behavioral challenges.
• Demonstrated communication skills, both oral and written.
• Capable of working in a stressful environment.
• Ability to become TCI(Therapeutic crisis intervention), and First/Aid CPR certified.
• At least 2 years of employment experience in human service, juvenile justice or youth residential treatment, or corrections with adolescence and young adults (12 to 24yrs of age).
• Ability to pass a physical exam.

Nice To Haves

• Associates Degree preferred.
• Training in trauma informed care, crisis de-escalation and behavior management is preferred.
• Training in trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation, and behavior management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and engage youth in activities.
• Form therapeutic relationships with youth and families.
• Observe, guide and correct as necessary, delinquent, unsafe and/or unusual behavior.
• Evaluate, interpret, instruct and guide the behavior of youth and to assess and manage group dynamics.

Benefits

• Eligible for overtime.
• Equal Opportunity Employer
• We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where diversity is valued and recognized as a source of strength and enrichment.
• We seek to attract talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED