WOW Counselor II

Youth Guidance; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short-term disability

Life insurance

401k

Wellness program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Youth Guidance seeks a WOW Counselor II to deliver school-based group counseling for 6th–12th graders in Somerville and surrounding communities. The role focuses on empowering youth with decision-making, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships within a trauma-informed, culturally responsive framework.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) and at least two years of youth-engagement experience, with fluency in English; Spanish bilingual abilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required from an approved university.
• Master's degree in social work, counseling, or related field preferred.
• Two years of youth engagement experience required or preferred.
• Experience with trauma-informed services and school-based work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate 4–5 weekly group counseling sessions using WOW curriculum during school day.
• Provide clinical assessments and psychosocial intakes for student development.
• Document interactions, assessments, surveys, and narratives within 24 hours.
• Engage school staff to implement programs and provide trainings.
• Collaborate with school teams to support intervention plans.

Skills

Youth engagement

Group counseling

Trauma-informed practice

Cultural competency

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Position Summary: Our WOW Counselor II’s are responsible for recruiting providing school-based group counseling and direct service to girls in 6th-12th grade by empowering them to develop responsible decision-making skills, self-awareness, emotions management, self-acceptance, healthy relationships, and social awareness. The WOW Counselor should be flexible in their clinical expertise and youth engagement skills to empower the girls to become successful in school and life.We are seeking counselors and youth-serving professionals who understand the importance of culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered work with young people.Primary Service Area: Somerville, MAWOW Counselors will serve students at:Winter Hill Community Innovation SchoolArthur E. Healey SchoolLOCAL CANDIDATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLYBecause this is a school-based position, candidates who live in or have established connections to the communities we serve are encouraged to apply. We welcome qualified applicants from:Somerville • Cambridge • Watertown • Allston • Malden • Everett • Chelsea • MelroseDon't see your city listed? No problem. Qualified candidates residing in Boston or other neighboring communities are also encouraged to apply. Applicants should be able to reliably and comfortably commute to Somerville and meet the scheduling requirements of the position.Essential Duties/Responsibilities:Facilitate 4-5 weekly group counseling sessions utilizing the WOW curriculum during the school dayParticipate in individual and group clinical supervision, case consultation, and fidelity coachingProvide clinical assessments and psychosocial intakes appropriate to support students’ social-emotional development. Provide family and crisis intervention as neededDocument all interactions with youth, including group and individual, clinical assessments, brief encounters, special events, program consents, pre/post surveys, and monthly program narratives based on program protocol. (within 24 hours)Complete the WOW Annual Training Plan based on the WOW Counselor Competencies: clinical knowledge, youth engagement, group counseling, authentic self, administration, and systemic leadership. In addition, training required to learn the WOW curriculum.Engage school staff and leadership to assist with implementation and provide all necessary functions to develop the WOW program, including teacher training and school in-service presentationsCollaborate with the LSC, Parent Programs, and the Pupil Personnel Support team to maintain aligned communication and ensure all stakeholders are aware of and actively supporting student intervention plansParticipate in assigned WOW committees to foster organizational engagement, share best practices, and gain broader regional insights alongside peers across Youth GuidanceServe on Youth Guidance Board and/or agency committees as requestedSupport public relations and community engagement efforts, including representing the organization at community events, developing external communications, cultivating relationships with community stakeholders, and promoting program impact and organizational initiatives.Work jointly with Program Supervisor and Replication Specialist to plan and execute field trips and special events for students throughout the school year and summer.Provide counseling services within Somerville Public Schools, utilizing individualized clinical and group facilitation strategies to address the diverse needs of students, foster meaningful engagement, and promote positive social-emotional development.Other duties as needed.Education/Experience/TrainingBachelor’s degree is required from an approved accredited university and a minimum of two years of youth engagement experienceA master's degree in social work, counseling, or a related human service field from an approved accredited university and one year of youth engagement experience preferredMust have at least two years of experience facilitating groupsWorking knowledge of clinical interventionsExperience Youth EngagementExperience working with trauma-informed services and frameworkExperience working in schools or youth-related systems, i.e. DCFS, juvenile detention, mental health facilitiesSkills/AbilitiesAbility to demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skillsCapable of collaborating in team settings and working independentlyMust be a self-starterMust exhibit cultural competencyMust demonstrate creativity in engaging youthFluent in Spanish and English is preferredCore CompetenciesCommunication: Uses effective written and oral communication with internal staff, teams, and community served; demonstrates empathy and listeningClient orientation: Recognizes needs of diverse stakeholders and approaches relationships with a service orientation, to ultimately maximize the impactEquity mindset: Understands and is committed to goals of equity, consistently brings an equity mindset to the organization’s work and workplaceGrowth mindset: Views growth as important for personal and professional development; seeks out opportunities to expand skills, even if the change is required, demonstrates curiosity and eagerness to learnOwnership and quality of work: Effectively manages own work, and work of the team to ensure delivery of high-quality workSupervisory skills: Effectively manages and develops othersMission drive: Demonstrates commitment to the missing of the organization as a whole and alignment with organization valuesPhysical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functionsWork EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This job operates in a professional office environment, school setting, and working with the public.Occasional local and national travelBenefitsYouth Guidance offers a competitive benefit package for eligible full-time employees including the option to participate in medical, dental, and vision plans as well as short-term disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, pet insurance, 401k, a wellness program and more. You may also quality for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).Compensation$59,000- $67,000Pay is determined by your educational background, licensure, and relevant professional experience.Our ValuesAt Youth Guidance, we believe that creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected is fundamental to realizing our vision of bright and successful futures for all young people. We acknowledge that many systems and institutions intended to support youth do not provide fair treatment or access for everyone. We strive to celebrate the unique qualities of youth and recognize them as empowered leaders, problem-solvers, and experts of their own experiences.Youth Guidance is an equal opportunity employer. Youth Guidance does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law and is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.