Youth Counselor

our Residential Academy•Yanceyville, 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 Yanceyville, North Carolina. The program provides a 4- to 6-month rehabilitative experience for 40 adjudicated male youth ages 13 to 17 referred by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Division of Juvenile Justice. Its services combine evidence-based practices, individualized treatment and academic plans, experiential education, community service, behavioral health, and family counseling in a non-punitive, strength-based setting. Youth receive accredited education onsite and work in small groups with assigned counselors. The counselor serves as a positive, supportive role model, supervises and supports clients’ safety and welfare, leads daily group activities, and provides group and individual counseling. The role uses rational living cognitive behavioral therapy to help youth define and pursue life goals, identify thinking errors, and build confidence and self-esteem. Staff-secure supervision may cover afternoon, evening, and sleeping hours and may involve shift work. The position involves outdoor work and physical activity across wilderness terrain. The role requires a 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. A bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral services or outdoor recreation specialties is preferred. Candidates must be at least 21, meet driving and insurance requirements, pass a drug screen, and be able to pass an evaluation and written certification exam for crisis intervention and physical restraint techniques. The listed hourly rate is $17.51–$18.57.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old, per 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 through wilderness terrain.
Ability to pass an evaluation of crisis intervention and physical restraint techniques and a written certification exam, and to use approved techniques as needed.
Ability to participate in aquatic activities.
Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods.
Ability to work with constant exposure to the outdoors and/or weather conditions.
Must meet Eckerd’s auto insurance requirements and be able to drive for business purposes.
Valid and appropriate driver’s license or state identification required.
Must pass a drug screen in compliance with the Substance Abuse and Drug-Free Workplace policy.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Serve as a positive, supportive role model who consistently guides and influences group activities to enhance youths’ 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, with supervision potentially involving shift work.
Lead groups of youth through daily activities and 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.
Supervise clients and maintain their overall safety.
Drive for business purposes when required.

Benefits

Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance.
19 days of paid time off during the first year.
11 paid holidays.
Retirement savings plan with employer match up to 5%.
Flexible spending accounts.
Paid short-term and long-term disability.
Group term life and AD&D insurance.
Voluntary term life insurance.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
PTO Exchange.
Meals provided when on duty.
Advancement opportunities.
Overtime availability.
Hourly rate of $17.51–$18.57, with opportunity for leadership development, professional growth, and advancement.