Triage Counselor

Center for Youth Services•Rochester, NY

13d

About The Position

The Triage Counselor provides crisis counseling and responsive care for youth ages 12–21 seeking Center services, including counseling, emergency housing, and transitional living. The counselor completes comprehensive assessments to identify immediate needs and longer-term developmental or treatment needs, including substance use or abuse, problem gambling, and other risk factors that may inhibit healthy youth development. Based on the assessment and goals identified by the youth, the counselor develops an initial Individualized Service Plan that includes appropriate prevention activities. The role also includes crisis counseling for families, information dissemination, referrals, responding to crisis phone calls and walk-in clients, community outreach, and networking with agencies and providers to coordinate client services. Triage Counselors work as part of a larger team of Counselors stationed at the Monroe Ave location. The position is 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; counselors are required to work evening hours occasionally as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, or a related field, and two years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education, employment, and life experience.
Significant knowledge of adolescent development, including positive youth development, asset development, risk reduction, and protective factors.
Significant knowledge of youth-serving systems, community resources, and client advocacy.
Authorize the agency to obtain driving record information before hire.
Have a valid driver’s license and regular access to a motor vehicle.
Maintain automobile insurance coverage of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage.
Pursue relevant certifications while employed if not already certified.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
CPP, ICPS, or CASAC certification.
Advanced training in chemical dependency prevention-related areas.

Responsibilities

Conduct triage, assessment, and intake.
Assess substance use or abuse, problem gambling, and other risk factors.
Provide individual and family crisis counseling and crisis intervention.
Assess referral readiness and provide referrals.
Provide chemical dependency and problem gambling prevention counseling and activities that foster skill development or facilitate appropriate treatment referrals.
Advocate for youth.
Provide case management.
Facilitate parent groups using research- or science-based curricula.
Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with agency policies.
Conduct neighborhood and community outreach.
Maintain accurate and timely case and program records.
Participate in individual and group supervision, staff meetings, and training.
Transport clients when required and consistent with agency policies.
Participate in assigned community committees, coalitions, and task forces.
Perform other duties as assigned.