Youth Counselor

The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie has been caring for children throughout the Hudson Valley for over 175 years! We strive to empower children and families to achieve optimal health and well being.

We are currently seeking Youth Counselors to work in our Empower Program.

Position Summary:

Youth Counselors are responsible for the supervision of youth, and organizing and completing day-to-day activities with the youth including recreation and light housekeeping. Youth Counselors will act as a mentor and model appropriate self-regulation skills for the youth.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Fulfills training responsibilities according to Children's Home, NYS Justice Center, OCFS and ORR regulations.
2. Is familiar with and adheres to all agency policies and procedures as outlined in the Child Care Manual, Employee Handbook and Risk Management Manual.
3. Supervises and protects youth in their care, assuring a healthy and safe environment.
4. Provides trauma-responsive care that is sensitive to and supportive of the children's cultural, ethnic heritage, and values.
5. Teaches, assists and supervises youth in the activities of daily living. This includes personal care, care of the living space and their personal property, mealtime activities, community, school activities, and general recreation.
6. Safely transports youth in agency vehicles.
7. Assists youth in developing appropriate behavioral, and pro-social values by role modeling positive communication, and relationship building that adhere to the goals and mission of the agency.
8. Display appropriate professional boundaries which include not interfacing with current youth on social media platforms, and or on staff's personal cell phones.
9. Models and engages youth in developing skills and interests in leisure time activities.
10. Assists youth in developing positive attitudes regarding school and good study habits; supports and aids their academic needs, including vocational/workforce training.
11. Supports youth in meeting treatment team recommendations.
12. Participates in trauma-informed care through the agency's programs, including but not limited to Sanctuary training.
13. Is required to attend all mandatory training as scheduled, including but not limited to New Hire Orientation, TCI certifications and CPR/First Aid certifications.
14. Completes thorough and accurate documentation within required timeframes.
15. Fulfills Mandated Reporter responsibilities according to NYS Justice Center and OCFS regulations.
16. Is familiar with and adheres to all agency policies and procedures as outlined in the Child Care Manual, Employee Handbook, and Risk Management Program Manual as well as remaining abreast of the Quality Assurance and Improvement processes of the agency.
17. Any additional duties assigned by the lead supervisor.

Schedules: Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday-Tuesday, 12pm-10pm, Wednesday-Friday OFF

Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10pm-10pm, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday OFF

Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday-Monday OFF, Tuesday-Friday, 8am-4pm

The Children's Home offers an outstanding benefit package which includes weekly pay, medical, vision, dental, life insurance, 403(b), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and a great work environment! Paid time off includes 4 weeks of vacation, 3 personal days, 12 holidays and 9 sick days annually.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential: (Required)

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Capable of vigorous physical activity, active participation in recreation, and the physical crisis intervention program of the agency at all times.
• Capable, at all times, of evacuating the children in an emergency via all primary and secondary exits.
• Positive, friendly attitude toward children.
• Valid New York State Driver's License with good driving record as determined by the Agency.

*The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

*The Children's Home participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the form I-9.