Youth Counselor

JOB TITLE: Youth Counselor 

PROGRAM: Youth Services

STATUS: Part-time (17.5 hours) with Full-Time (35 Hours) potential 

FLSA DESIGNATION: Non-Exempt 

REPORTS TO: Youth Services Director 

DEGREE: License Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or relevant counseling program  

SALARY:  __Part time:  $30,000  annually

EXPERIENCE: 2 years’ experience in counseling children and families is preferred

ABOUT PINNACLE COMMUNITY SERVICES: Pinnacle Community Services (PCS) is a private, non-profit, trauma informed family service agency that has been at work in the Niagara community since 1895. The strength of Pinnacle Community Services is the network of interrelated and complementary services, reaching people at every age and every stage of life. 

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Youth Counselor is responsible for supporting the agency and Youth Services program by working with youth to promote emotional well-being, developing healthy coping skills, building self-esteem, fostering resilience, strengthening interpersonal relationships, and supporting youth in establishing personal goals and achieving greater stability and independence. Additionally, demonstrating knowledge of the mission and services of PCS.

QUALIFICIATIONS/EXPERIENCE:  

• 2 years’ experience in counseling children and families providing Solution Focused Brief Therapy preferred
• Ability to use Microsoft applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Internet/Intranet, web-based databases. 
• Job performed primarily in a shelter/residential setting and modern office building in addition to community setting 
• Occasional lifting (15 pounds or less)  
• Occasional standing/sitting Frequent stair climbing  
• Valid NYS Driver’s License.
• Use of personal vehicle during working hours.
• Availability must include some weekday, evening, and weekend hours to meet program need.
• Flexible hours to meet needs of youth and families.
• Clearance of the Justice Center Requirements: Staff Exclusions List (SEL), NYS State Central Registry for Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR), Criminal Background Check (CBC).
• Demonstrates knowledge of the program, missions, and services of PCS.
• Complies with all policies and procedures of PCS (including NASW Code of Ethics, Collective Bargaining Agreement, and corporate Compliance Policies) and all governmental and legal requirements.
• Attends and participates in appropriate agency staff trainings and meetings.
• Advocates for cultural diversity/sensitivity as appropriate.
• Reports all suspected incidences of child abuse/neglect to NYS Hotline with supervisory notification.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Conduct initial assessments and provide brief counseling services for youth engaged in agency programs, determining service needs and making referrals to internal or external providers as appropriate.
• Utilize Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approaches, monitor client progress, maintain required face-to-face contact standards, and engage families/caregivers when appropriate.
• Collaborate with case managers, residential staff, and community partners to coordinate services, support case planning, and ensure continuity of care.
• Maintain timely client documentation, discharge records, program statistics, and outcome data; assist with reporting requirements for funders and stakeholders.
• Support shelter operations as needed, including responding to phones, visitors, and youth needs.
• Participate in supervision, training, case reviews, and agency meetings to support professional development and program effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Administration.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: 

PINNACLE COMMUNITY SERVICES’ EXPECTATIONS:  

DISCLAIMER: >span class="eop"> 

EOE STATEMENT: Pinnacle Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.