Youth Counselor - STOP

FOUR OAKS FAMILY AND CHILDRENS SERVICES•Bertram, IA

9d•$16 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Counselor works directly with boys ages 12–17 at the STOP (Supervised Treatment Opportunity Program) Campus, a structured residential program in Bertram, Iowa. The program provides a safe, supportive, and highly structured environment where youth can address behavioral needs, develop coping and life skills, build healthy relationships, and prepare to transition back to their families and communities. The counselor provides direct care and supervision while building consistent, trusting relationships that support growth and change. This active role involves supporting youth throughout their day, helping them navigate challenges, build skills, make better choices, and recognize their potential. Counselors work with each youth’s treatment plan and collaborate with colleagues and other professionals to provide appropriate programming.

Requirements

At least 21 years of age.
High School Diploma or GED.
Desire to help children succeed.
Basic computer skills in an MS Office environment.
Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services-related field of study.
Prior experience working with children in a school or mental health setting.

Responsibilities

Build meaningful relationships with youth based on consistency, trust, respect, and appropriate boundaries.
Provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment while maintaining appropriate supervision.
Use everyday situations to teach problem-solving, communication, accountability, coping, and other life skills.
Identify potential problems early and use proactive strategies to help prevent escalation.
Use approved behavior-management and de-escalation techniques to help youth develop healthier responses and behaviors.
Help youth gain insight into their choices, recognize patterns, and learn to self-identify and self-correct behaviors.
Understand each youth’s individual treatment plan and provide appropriate supervision and treatment interventions.
Participate in group, behavioral, and life-space interventions and provide appropriate feedback and direction.
Ensure youth’s basic needs are consistently and appropriately met.
Serve as a positive role model and an agent of change for youth in care.
Safely transport youth to program activities and community resources while following agency transportation and supervision protocols.
Collaborate with the team, supervisors, and other professionals to review progress and provide appropriate programming.
Follow medication-management guidelines and established program procedures.
Develop and maintain knowledge of Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS).
Complete required documentation accurately and on time, including daily case notes, behavioral documentation, visual checks, and other program records.