Youth Counselor

our Program•Candor, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Counselor works in Eckerd Connects’ short-term juvenile justice residential program at the Boys Residential Academy in Candor, North Carolina. The program serves adjudicated males ages 13 to 17 referred by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Division of Juvenile Justice. It provides a four- to six-month rehabilitative experience combining evidence-based practices, individualized treatment and academic plans, experiential education, community service, behavioral health services, and family counseling in a non-punitive, strength-based environment. The counselor serves as a positive role model and supports youth in building confidence, self-esteem, and progress toward their goals. The role includes supervising clients and groups, leading daily activities, and providing group and individual counseling. Counselors use rational living cognitive behavioral therapy to help youth identify life goals, work toward them, and recognize thinking errors and faulty cognitions. Staff provide secure supervision during afternoon, evening, and sleeping hours, with supervision potentially involving shift work.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old, in accordance with DJJ guidelines.
High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant experience working with youth; two or more years of college in social or human services may substitute for the youth-experience requirement.
Ability to travel across property and through wilderness terrain.
Must be able to pass an evaluation of crisis intervention and physical restraint techniques and a 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.
Must be able to meet Eckerd’s auto insurance requirements and drive for business purposes.
Valid and appropriate driver’s license or state identification required.
Must pass a drug screen in compliance with the organization’s Substance Abuse and Drug-Free Workplace policy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral services or outdoor recreation specialties preferred.
Direct-care experience in a therapeutic or rehabilitative setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a positive, supportive role model who guides group activities and helps enhance youth confidence and self-esteem.
Support the progress and welfare of each client and the group through therapeutic programs.
Provide staff-secure supervision during afternoon, evening, and sleeping hours, and maintain the overall supervision and safety of clients.
Lead groups of youth through daily activities.
Provide group and individual counseling, emphasizing strength-based development.
Use rational living cognitive behavioral therapy to help youth define and achieve life goals and identify thinking errors and faulty cognitions.