Youth Counselor

Youth Program Counselor

Job description

Position Summary

The Youth Program counselor is responsible for the everyday living of Saint Basil Academy’s resident youth. The Youth Program Counselor takes on an active role in raising and holding the children to the highest standards they can achieve. It is the responsibility of the Youth Program Counselor to teach the everyday life skills and routines necessary to eventually function as healthy adults after life at the Academy. In order to provide the best level of care for the residents, all Youth counselors at Saint Basil Academy go through training including becoming certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. The skills learned in TCI allow the youth counselors to help each individual resident at the root of who they are and assist in molding individuals into the person they are destined to be. The Youth Program not only meets the physical needs of each resident but integrates the children in the community in a variety of recreation programming. Youth residents have the ability to participate in sports / camps / scouting / as well as theater and arts and crafts. To complete our agency's Mission, all youth residents and Youth Counselors attend evening Vesper services and Sunday Chapel, allowing the children to grow closer to God spiritually, in which participation is encouraged and accompanying the children is required. The youth department believes that by providing structure and guidance children will feel safe in their environment and open themselves up to learning and growing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily care of children ages 6-18

• Participate in meetings with Director of Residential Life regarding the progress and needs of each resident

• Coordinate and balance program schedules

• Organize and supervise off-campus programs and activities

• Distribute prescribed medications in accordance with children’s doctors

• Present weekly team meeting reports to a team of staff members

• Collaborate to develop ICMP for each residential child

• Take residents to (and attend) necessary appointments

• Meet with teachers and administrators to best meet the academic needs of the children

• Lead weekly dorm meetings to maintain unity and cooperation

• Maintain a safe and controlled environment during crisis situations

• Accompanying and supervising children in Greek Orthodox religious events and services, etc.

• Follows proper TCI procedures and facilitates life space interviews in accordance with the OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services) regulations and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention model consistent with training guidelines.

• Provide a stable and healthy living space for all residents to thrive within

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• The daily routine includes, but is not limited to, transporting children to and from school, sports, appointments, etc., homework help, bedtime routines, and basic housekeeping.

• Applicants must be able to work well with a team of staff members while following the policies and procedures of Saint Basil Academy.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• College education is preferred, High school diploma required.

• Obtain a certification in TCI within 90 days of being hired.

• Must pass a criminal background check.

• Excellent communication skills with parents, teachers, and other childcare workers.

• Ability to be patient and understanding when working with children and interacting with parents.

• Ability to relate to children.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Sp