Youth Counselor

Holy Family Institute•Emsworth, PA

About The Position

The Youth Counselor assists the Shift Supervisor in providing direct daily supervision and monitoring of children in care of the Journey of Hope LTFC program. Final approval for hire will be done by the Project Officer of the Office of Refugee and Resettlement which is a sub-agency of the Department of Health and Human Services of the federal government.

Requirements

High School diploma, GED or equivalent required, Bachelor’s degree preferred.
One year working with children required; residential or human services preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively and document information accurately.
Ability to deal efficiently and effectively with a wide variety of individuals.
Ability to maintain electronic records, medical files and have basic computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must have or be able to obtain Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.
The ability to drive a car or van; must have a valid PA driver's license.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
Ability to lift or push a minimum of 20 lbs by themselves or up to 50 lbs with the assistance of others.
Ability to stay awake for an entire working shift.
Ability to verbally de-escalate children during a crisis situation.
Capable of frequently climbing stairs and other activities that involve physical exertion (i.e. walking hallways, walking across campus).
Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly in person / on telephone.
Quick physical response to a crisis situation.
Must be able to implement CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) non-passive behavior techniques.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish and English (read, write and speak) preferred.

Responsibilities

Promotes the Mission and Philosophy of Holy Family Institute.
Discusses a difference of opinion without becoming upset, abusive or otherwise defensive.
Takes a positive approach to problem solving and avoids blaming others.
Promotes positive professional image of the agency through interpersonal interactions and appearance.
Develops and maintains professional and supportive relationships with all agency staff, volunteers, CYF, community, etc.
Demonstrates a team approach.
Has the temperament to work with and care for children or youth with special needs.
Complete tasks within the time frame allotted and provide feedback when difficulties arise in completing tasks.
Supervises children at all times.
Supervises children taking medication as prescribed and in accordance with policies and procedures.
Responds to accidents and emergencies according to procedures.
Follows through with instructions for medical appointments.
Secures keys and dangerous items.
Report/remove hazards, safety concerns, and equipment/facility malfunctions.
Adheres to sanitary procedures (e.g., universal precautions).
Effectively handles crisis situations with trained skills e.g., CPR, first aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
Inspects, reports and eliminates contraband.
Follows evening/overnight procedures, viz., routine bed checks minimum of every 15 minutes when bedtime begins.
Uses SELF model (Safety, Emotion, Loss, Future), e.g., respect for others, appropriate dress, conflict resolution.
Understands and uses all behavior motivation tools and all other necessary written communication.
Promotes and utilizes culturally sensitive care and treatment of children.
Promotes cultural sensitivity/acculturation.
Models and support social, academic and independent living skills to youth.
Follows strategies outlined in HART Model and Individual Service Plan.
Utilizes only approved behavioral methods.
Respects children’s privacy.
Models appropriate support and respect, conflict resolution and social skills.
Maintains appropriate supervision, interactions and conversations with youth.
Responds to nightmares, sleep problems, and other nighttime fears in a supportive and nurturing manner.
Demonstrates dignity and respect for children.
Respects children’s religious and cultural backgrounds.
Provides meals and snacks in an environment that is pleasant.
Sits and converses with children during mealtimes.
Maintains cleanliness of houses, appliances, agency vehicles, buildings and grounds.
Maintains supplies, equipment and furnishings in good order.
Observes and abides by safety policies, e.g. locks the supply closet, medicine cabinet, and staff office
Complete all incident reports and routine documentation by end of shift.
Completes medical reports and submits them immediately after appointments.
Check the supplies of HART Model Materials and replace them accordingly.
Completes all documentation descriptively, completely, legibly, and in black ink.
Ensure that all minor arrives on time for appointments.
Drive safely and follow traffic laws.
Maintains cleanliness and refuels when approaching quarter of a tank.
Ensure that minors underage of 12 rides in rear seats of program vehicles and that car seats are installed properly.
Be aware of children’s illnesses and treat them accordingly.
Follows medical instruction for each child.
Disseminate medical information to appropriate personnel within 24 hours.
Stays at medical appointments and supports children as directed by supervisor/medical staff.
Appropriately handles and reports all incidents in accordance with agency policy and training.
Provides program orientation to new children and completes intake forms as directed by House Supervisor.
Maintains line of sight and sound during doctor appointments and do not view and child undressing or undressed for medical examinations.
Turns back to provide privacy while remaining within “line of sound.”
Supports all functions to maintain accreditation and compliance with regulatory agencies.
Adheres to all agency and departmental safety procedures including reporting any unsafe practices, equipment, and environment, and takes an active role in correcting the unsafe practice, equipment, or environment through proper notification.
Models appropriate behaviors (e.g., respect for others, appropriate dress, appropriate conflict resolution, etc.).
Participate in all required agencies and regulatory training within expected time frame.
Promptly reports civil or criminal convictions, charges, arrests, investigations, or adjudications that may arise since staff member’s last background investigation. This includes but is not limited to sexual abuse in a prison, jail, holding facility, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997), or care provider facility; conviction of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or who was civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in such activity.
Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor.