JYF- Youth Counselor

Rising Ground; New York (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Rising Ground seeks a Youth Counselor to build healthy relationships with youth, provide safe supervision, and support their clinical and educational needs. The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and collaboration with school and agency partners.

The position requires a High School Diploma or GED with 3+ years of direct service in mental health or juvenile justice, plus the ability to travel to various Juvenile Justice facilities within the five boroughs. A NYS driver’s license is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED plus 3+ years in mental health or juvenile justice direct service.
• Valid NYS driver's license preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide constant direct supervision to ensure youth safety and security.
• Intervene using Safe Crisis Management techniques as needed.
• Support youth development and positive behavioral changes through the MYSI Model.
• Promote a positive peer group culture and supervise daily routines and activities.
• Record and document logs, assessments, and incident reports accurately and timely.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED +3 Years Direct Service

Job description

Overview

The Youth Counselor will be primarily responsible for building healthy relationships with each persons supported and providing adequate care, safety, custody, control and counseling with the aim of allowing the youth to become a productive member of society.

The Youth Counselor will be primarily responsible for building healthy relationships with each persons supported and providing adequate care, safety, custody, control and counseling with the aim of allowing the youth to become a productive member of society.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides constant direct supervision to ensure the safety, whereabouts, and security of all youth at all times, including monitoring residents during Family Court appearances.
• Intervene immediately during emergencies or altercations using approved Safe Crisis Management techniques and mechanical restraints (LSP only) when necessary to maintain safety.
• Manages and shapes resident behavior utilizing the principles of the MYSI Model, helping youth develop positive, lasting behavioral changes.
• Actively manages peer group dynamics to promote, cultivate, and maintain a supportive, positive peer group culture within the home.
• Implements daily living schedules, routines, and procedures while maintaining high sanitary standard through heavy cleaning and laundry duties.
• Partners with DOE representatives to ensure safety during school hours and participates in planning educational, recreational, and personal enrichment activities.
• Monitors and support the medical, educational, clinical and casework needs of youth, ensuring they attend all the required appointments.
• Completes and submit accurate log reports, behavioral assessments, incident reports and other critical documentation in a timely manner.
• Adheres strictly to all ACS, OCFS and agency regulations, and complete all mandatory professional development and training programs.
• Maintain open lines of communication with Case Planners, Supervisors and internal staff regarding youth or family updates; possesses the flexibility to work various hours and days.
• Must have the ability to complete all standard administrative and support tasks including but not limited to climbing up and down stairs, operations of computer/phone/fax/printer/copy machine, and the ability to lift boxes, furniture, and equipment up to 30lbs. Must be able to travel from various locations and sites of Rising Ground. Ability to perform physical restraints of youth using approved restraint techniques. Physical clearance are required and reevaluated annually.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED +3 Years of Direct Service in Mental Health or Juvenile Justice Programming.
• Valid NYS Drivers' License preferred
• Verbal & Written communication skills
• Must be able to pass required SCM and recertify annually

Supervisory Responsibility

No

Work Environment

Work locations are at an assigned juvenile justice facility throughout the five boroughs

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Full Time/40

Travel

Other Rising Ground location if needed

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary structure
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO policy (11 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Time, Paid Vacation & Paid Personal Days)
• Remote / flexible work options (If applicable)