Youth Counselor

City of Charlottesville•Charlottesville (22902), VA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Counselor Assistant position within the Department of Human Services provides responsible direct services to children and/or families including individual, group, and family counseling, case management, skill-building, activities oversight, and other case or therapeutic services. Work is completed under general supervision and reports to a Human Services Program Supervisor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in any field AND some experience working in a Human Services field.
OR Associate degree AND 2 years of experience working in a Human Services Field.
OR High School Diploma or GED AND 4 years of experience in Human Services Field.
OR An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver’s License and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Knowledge of counseling and social work principles and practices particularly related to adolescent behavior.
General knowledge of community services and facilities available for adolescents.
Knowledge of crisis intervention and behavior change techniques.
Knowledge of human behavior and of the current social, economic and health problems of the community served.
Ability to read, understand, and interpret human services policies and regulations and reference materials.
Ability to organize data and write explanations and summaries such as data for reports and assessments with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.
Ability to perform basic mathematical functions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, co-workers, managers, and the public.
Ability to provide information and guidance that assists others in making decisions; explains issues and concepts with clarity.
Interactions may involve stressful, negative situations requiring tact and the ability to diffuse aggressive behavior and reach consensus.
Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and understanding.
Requires General Direction: normally performs the job by following general instructions and established standard operating procedures and/or policies.
There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices.
Skilled: practical knowledge of service programs and requirements.
Ability to investigate, research, analyze, and measure information or data.
Skilled in interviewing techniques and eliciting information from clients.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office applications and department software.
Ability to maintain calm under pressure and a fast-paced environment.
Organization and time management skills.
Works closely with others as part of a team.
Work effectively with sensitive and confidential issues and information.
May require frequent travel to and from community-based locations.
May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Must constantly position self to maintain files in file cabinet.
Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Nice To Haves

Experience in the care and treatment of adolescents.
College coursework in behavioral sciences or human services.
Directly related experience (case management services) in Virginia within the past 2 years.
May be required to work weekends, evenings and/or on-call.
May be required to work weekends, evenings and/or on-call.

Responsibilities

Creates and/or participates in the coordination of treatment or assessment planning through informal individual counseling as well as crisis intervention in emergency situations.
Provides therapeutic structure and provides for the physical and emotional safety of participants while supervising the completion of tasks and activities.
Performs case management duties, which may include but is not limited to screening for eligibility and coordination with community partners, families, school staff, probation, and social service agencies.
Provides trauma-supportive and appropriately responsive service.
Participates in overall program planning, evaluation, and documentation.
Maintains case records and prepares reports.
May develop and/or facilitate, lead, or co-lead various group meetings and/or recreational and educational activities.
Coordinates with other agency staff on treatment observations and information.
May testify in court proceedings and makes recommendations to legal authorities.
Responsibility for support functions such as equipment maintenance, stocking inventory supplies and oversight of vehicle maintenance.
Transporting program participants.
Required to respond upon activation from the City Manager of the Continuity of Operations Plan and/or Emergency Operations Plan.
Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Department guidelines.
Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
Regular and reliable attendance.
May provide on-call coverage and respond to emergency situations.
Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.