Supportive Services Counselor (Case Manager)

Opportunity Communities•Salem, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The YouthBuild Supportive Services Counselor plays a key role in the YouthBuild North Shore Program. This individual will be responsible for overseeing intensive case management and offering guidance to support participants in their personal, legal, and social service needs. The Supportive Services Counselor will work closely the Community Outreach Counselor and with the supportive services team to build participants' leadership skills through guidance, counseling, and mentoring. Additionally, the Supportive Services Counselor will engage opportunity youth and young adults in life skill groups and recreational activities aimed at promoting personal growth. The Counselor must model positive behavior and attitudes, demonstrating professionalism through conduct, language, and dress code. Furthermore, they will coordinate the safe and timely delivery of services, train new case managers, and review and oversee the student files. The Supportive Services Counselor should have the ability to engage youth in a positive and impactful manner, contributing to the overall success of the YouthBuild North Shore program.

Requirements

Passionate about working with Opportunity Youth and Young Adults (ages 16+) from a "Youth First" perspective.
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience (5+ years) in human services, social services, education, school counseling, criminal justice, or related fields, with supervisory and case management experience.
Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish preferred
Experience in group facilitation, conflict resolution, and classroom management.
Travel Required: Driver’s license in good standing and ability to drive a 15-passenger vehicle.
Ability to navigate complex systems to benefit participants and demonstrate strong research skills in identifying solutions.
Proficient with computers and computer systems.
Must be able to type efficiently for documentation and case management tasks.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate on program issues and engage in team-based teaching.
Knowledge of or willingness to learn effective case note writing and caseload management.
Ability to create an inclusive program environment that supports marginalized youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the capacity to think strategically and to support youth behavior change.
Effective communicator, able to connect with youth, families, and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Classroom management skills, with the ability to work with varying learning curves and abilities, knowing when to be fair but firm with high-risk youth.
Decisive, team-oriented, and possessing a good sense of humor.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience (5+ years) in human services, social services, education, school counseling, criminal justice, or related fields, with supervisory and case management experience.
Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Lead life skills, leadership development, and supportive service groups, facilitating activities that promote growth and development.
Oversee and perform case management services, ensuring accurate service plans, progress notes, and adherence to best practices.
Coordinate substance abuse and mental health education efforts, establish referral partnerships, and maintain a comprehensive database of social service providers and resources.
Collaborate with external service providers, including case managers, probation officers, and treatment programs, and advocate for participants’ needs during meetings (e.g., court hearings, foster care reviews) and community events.
Monitor services to ensure they meet participant needs, follow the service plan, and address issues promptly, including crisis and higher-level care referrals.
Utilize assessment tools for youth (e.g., SBIRT, DAST-10, CES-D, YRBS) to evaluate needs and connect clients with appropriate resources such as mental health facilities, addiction treatment programs, medical services, housing, employment, or legal assistance.
Act as a liaison between clients and healthcare providers to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
Present YouthBuild services to community partners, social service agencies, and attend outreach or community events outside regular hours as needed, maintaining collaborative relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
Accompany or transport youth to court hearings, appointments, or other necessary meetings as part of case management support.
Ensures all required documentation is completed in a timely, consistent, and comprehensive manner.
Assist with performing reviews on participants’ trends and follow up with resolution as part of case coordination.
Assist with program recruitment and outreach efforts for quality program enrollment.
Complete required reports as needed for AmeriCorps, WIOA, YPP, and/or DOL.
May serve as backup within the department as needed.