Youth Counselor

Eckerd Connects•Hickory, NC

34d•$18 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Youth Counselor at an adolescent residential academy program located in Boomer, North Carolina. The role involves working outdoors and helping at-risk youth and young adults reach their full potential by providing them with the tools to begin their process of change and be successful. The program is Eckerd Connects' Short-Term Juvenile Justice Residential program, a rehabilitative experience for adjudicated male youth, ages 13 to 17, referred by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Division of Juvenile Justice. It combines evidence-based practices with a strong family transition component and includes individualized treatment and academic plans, community service, behavioral health, and family counseling in a non-punitive environment. Youth also receive accredited education on-site and work in small group settings with assigned counselors.

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older per DJJ Guidelines.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum of two years' relevant experience working with youth.
Ability to travel about property, through wilderness terrain.
Must be able to pass evaluation of crisis intervention/physical restraint techniques and written certification exam, and use approved techniques as needed.
Must be able to participate in aquatic activities.
Ability to stand, sit or walk for extended periods of time.
Constant exposure to outdoors and/or weather conditions.
Must be able to meet requirements for Eckerd’s Auto Insurance and be able to drive for business purposes.
Valid and appropriate driver’s license or state identification is required.
Required to pass a drug screen in compliance with our Substance Abuse and Drug-Free Workplace policy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in social/behavioral services or outdoor recreation specialties is preferred.
2+ years of college in a social or human services can substitute youth experience requirement.
Direct care in a therapeutic/rehabilitative setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Act as a positive, supportive role model who guides and influences group activities to enhance youth's confidence and self-esteem.
Ensure the progress and welfare of each client and the group through therapeutic programs.
Provide staff secure supervision during afternoon, evening, and sleeping hours.
Lead groups of youth through various daily activities, providing group and individual counseling with an emphasis on strength-based development.
Ensure successful development of youth through rational living cognitive behavioral therapy to help them define and achieve life goals, identifying thinking errors and faulty cognitions.
Responsible for the overall supervision and safety of clients, which may include shift work.