Part-Time Youth Residential Counselor

Connecticut Junior Republic (Cjr)•Litchfield, CT

42d•$23

About The Position

The Youth Residential Counselor is dedicated to the direct supervision of adolescent boys in a short-term transitional living program. Youth Counselors cultivate a safe, healthy, therapeutic, nurturing and caring home environment that is supportive of each participant's individualized needs, social, emotional, and academic development. Youth Counselors are positive role models offering support, strength-based encouragement and protection of youth in their care, advocating for youth and sharing information and updates with parents/guardians.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent - Required
Minimum 1 year of experience working with at-risk or court-involved adolescents - Required
Valid driver's license - Required
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to respond calmly and effectively during emergencies
Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
Experience working with diverse populations or applying culturally responsive practices
Demonstrated understanding of adolescent development and mental health issues
Reliable transportation and flexibility to work scheduled shifts

Responsibilities

Maintain constant sight and sound supervision of youths within established program expectations and guidelines
Ensure physical safety of youth and provide crisis intervention as needed
Follow established routines, schedules, and structure, like wake up and bedtimes, and transition to school
Record observations in daily documentation and logs
Monitor and reporting healthcare needs or concerns, and ensuring compliance with daily medication regimen through support, encouragement, and self-care education
Accompany youths between facilities, meetings, appointments and/or other activities
Ensure living spaces are organized, clean, safe and free from hazards
Supervise youths during mealtimes
Support and facilitate the implementation of youths' individualized care plans and schedules
Utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) coaching to enhance adolescents learning and skill use
Transport adolescents to appointments and recreation trips
Provide transportation to adolescents and families as programmatic needs dictate in order to facilitate family visitation/sessions and home passes
Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within program parameters
Ability to communicate, cooperate and serve people from all cultural identities with respect, professionalism, integrity and fairness in a manner that recognizes the individuality of each person
Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance program effectiveness
Available to work evenings and weekends as may be needed
Regular and consistent attendance
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

Benefits

Free daily nutritious meals
Generous Paid Vacation Package (unused time eligible for carry over)
Generous Paid Sick Time (unused time eligible for carry over)
Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time)
Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and paid holiday time)
Annual monetary incentives
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
Career Growth Opportunities
Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
Employee discounts (cell phone, computer)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid
10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance