Life Skills Counselor

Valley Youth House; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 29,756 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Valley Youth House is seeking a full-time Life Skills Counselor located in Bethlehem, PA. The role involves engaging with youth to create and implement their transition plans using trauma-informed and culturally appropriate methods.

As a Life Skills Counselor, you will work directly with clients for 17 hours each week, ensuring compliance with regulations and facilitating life skills groups. Strong candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience with children and families.

The position offers competitive pay, comprehensive health benefits, and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Experience working with children, teens, or families preferable.
• Ability to engage youth in goal development.

Responsibilities

• Engage youth in developing their personal goal plans.
• Provide 17 hours of direct service weekly.
• Maintain compliance with client record regulations.
• Facilitate educational and interactive life skills groups.

Skills

Positive youth development

Trauma-informed frameworks

Cultural awareness

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

High School Diploma/Associates Degree in related field

Job description

Posting: FT - Life Skills Counselor AAI ($21.60hr - $24hr)

Location: Bethlehem

Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a Trauma Informed / Healing centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development and cultural awareness into all aspects of our agency. We want our clients and staff to feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and be empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.

Why Should You Apply?

• An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
• Competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work‑life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
• Enroll in our 401(k) retirement plan and enjoy a company match to secure your financial future.
• Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Take advantage of our pre‑tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
• Health and wellness programs to support your overall well‑being.
• Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team
• Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth.

Essential Functions of the Life Skills Counselor

• Successfully engage youth/client in developing and implementing their individual goal and/or transition plan using positive youth development, trauma‑informed and culturally appropriate frameworks.
• To provide 17 hours per week of direct service to program youth.
• Ensure up‑to‑date paper & electronic client records in compliance with program, county, state and federal regulations and private grant requirements as applicable.
• Facilitate life skills/experiential groups, as assigned, that are educational, restorative, creative, and interactive. When not facilitating, perform supportive responsibilities as a role model and to provide a safe learning environment.

Minimum Qualifications of the Life Skills Counselor

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with at least 6 months of experience working with children/teen/families OR
• High School Diploma/Associates Degree in related field with 2 years experience working with children/teen/families

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing Occasionally
• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds Often
• Moving from one worksite to another (driving to see multiple youth in a day requiring getting in and out of a vehicle) Often
• Ability to walk and climb stairs - Visiting clients' homes, placements, and apartments may require walking and navigating stairs, so individuals should be capable of doing so comfortably and safely Often

If eligible:

Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off, 401k -6% match, Employer-paid clearances, physical and training, Opportunities for Tuition reimbursement