OBJECTIVE: The Residential Youth Counselor creates a safe and secure environment that provides for the physical and emotional needs of youth in our care. Adequate supervision and knowledge of the whereabouts of all cottage residents at all times is primary. The Residential Youth Counselor is an integral member of the treatment team and as such their interventions must be therapeutic and reflect a clinical understanding of the youth.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

• Primarily responsible for a specific group of children assigned.
• Responsible for the direct supervision of all youth assigned to the counselor.
• Ensure that the youth under your care are adequately clothed and fed and that the cottage or living unit in which they live is kept clean and orderly in accordance with agency standards.
• Teach and supervise youth with matters of personal hygiene to the extent necessary for each individual youngster to be self-sufficient. These functions include dressing and undressing, hair care, bathing, feminine hygiene and supervising the performance of cottage chores.
• Establish relationships and develop programs that manage individual and group behavior so it is not disruptive or destructive.
• Responsible for providing stimulating, enjoyable and socially constructive leisure time activities for children.
• Attend all briefings, treatment conferences and other pertinent conferences related to children in care.
• Complete daily logs and/or incident reports during the shift.
• Communicate via logs of important events that have occurred during the shift.

• Inform the Awake Night Counselor of any concerns verbally.
• Provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for parents, families and volunteers.

OTHER TASKS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Drive agency vehicle for purposes of transporting children to and from recreational activities.
• Escort and supervise children on home visit bus to and from Grand Central Station.
• Participate in recreational activities with youngsters in the cottage to which assigned.
• Assist in planning and running of group meetings such as the Independent Living curriculum.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma, AA or BA with experience preferred
• Must pass Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training.
• Valid New York State Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to frequently perform physical restraints.
• While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to perform light recreational activities (i.e. Walking, swimming or playing basketball)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.