Treatment Counselor (per diem)

McKinley Children's Center•San Dimas, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

McKinley is seeking a Treatment Counselor who is dedicated to upholding the agency's mission and H.U.M.A.N. values. This role involves providing professional, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed child care services, acting as a positive role model for the youth served. McKinley is a respected welfare organization with a broad range of programs including residential treatment, foster care, adoptions, mental health services, and special education, impacting approximately 1,800 lives annually across five Southern California locations. The agency fosters a culture that is Hopeful, Understanding, Moral, Awesome, and Nurturing (H.U.M.A.N.), emphasizing optimism, empathy, kindness, respect, celebrating individuality, and a trauma-informed integrated care approach.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree, OR Valid Child Development Teaching Permit, OR Completion of 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education AND at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.
Valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor AND at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.
Valid Vocational Training certificate, credential or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills AND at least 100 hours of experience working with youth.
Previously employed as a staff or volunteer at a group home or STRTP for at least one year.
Have relevant experience as determined by CDSS to meet any of the above requirements.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other office-related software.
Superior oral and written communication skills as well as interpersonal skills.
Detail-oriented and organized.
Able to work independently and organize multiple projects with minimum supervision.
Able to work as a team member.
Able to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and professional boundaries with clients and staff.
Able to represent the agency professionally and appropriately with all constituencies.
Must pass pre-employment physical exam, TB and drug screening.
Ability to drive to various sites on and off campus.
Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel.
Ability to physically restrain children (if needed).
DOJ, FBI, Child Abuse Index clearance.
Insurability under Corporate Automobile Insurance.

Responsibilities

Constant supervision, protection, and care of children, individually and in groups, ensuring their safety within a trauma-informed framework and respecting their personal rights.
Collaborate with the treatment team to assist children in developing social, vocational, educational, hygiene, and other essential skills.
Document children's progress, identify potential needs for additional services, and communicate these findings to the Unit Manager.
Report any problems or recommendations to Unit Managers and/or designated Facility Managers.
In collaboration with the treatment team and Child and Family Team (CFT), develop and implement various activities for the children.
Administer appropriate discipline and set limits for behaviors.
Utilize acquired training skills to provide crisis intervention, including the use of physical restraints if necessary.
Dispense medications as directed when indicated.
Interact with children's families and other significant individuals in a helpful, therapeutic, and non-judgmental manner.
Complete all required documentation legibly, professionally, and in a timely manner.
Successfully complete all required training and attend/participate in required meetings.
Assist in the orientation and training of new Treatment Counselors.
Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the health and safety of the children.