Youth Counselor

Iowa; Eldora (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young men. As a Youth Counselor, you will provide essential counseling and therapy as part of a structured treatment program. This full-time role offers a chance to work with a diverse caseload, implementing behavioral modifications and supporting youth in their journey towards stability. Enjoy a rewarding career with opportunities for personal and professional growth, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and access to on-campus fitness facilities. If you are passionate about helping others and thrive in a challenging environment, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Holidays

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

On-campus Gym Access

Vacation Leave

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience working with youth.
• Experience in counseling or therapy is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to emotionally disordered students.
• Implement behavioral modification programs for treatment.

Skills

Counseling

Behavioral Modification

Therapy

Communication

Education

Degree in Child Development

Degree in Psychology

Degree in Social Work

Job description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of State Training School (STS), is seeking a Youth Counselor to join our team. This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week, with a Monday – Friday schedule from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (flexible hours) and weekends as needed. We offer opportunities for growth and development.

The Youth Counselor provides counseling and therapy as part of the treatment program for young men. Primary duties include:

1. Handling a diverse caseload of emotionally disordered students.
2. Providing individual and group counseling.
3. Implementing behavioral modification programs.

Applicants must complete a background check to be considered.

STS offers a comprehensive program that utilizes evidence-based practices to provide a secure, treatment-focused environment for males aged 12 to 18 who have been adjudicated delinquent. The program includes individualized treatment plans and comprehensive education, aiming to help young men transition successfully back into the community. If you enjoy rewarding yet challenging work and want to help young men find stability and security, this is the right job for you.

We offer a competitive total compensation package, including:

• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) with employee contributions of 6.29% and State contributions of 9.44%.
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC), with the state matching up to $75/month.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Vacation Leave starting at 96 hours/year, increasing with service.
• Sick Leave of 144 hours/year.
• Paid Holidays (9 days/year).
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Life Insurance ($20,000 paid by the state).
• Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Free on-campus workout facilities, including basketball courts, weight rooms, cardio room, showers, and lockers.

For additional information on benefits, click here.

Use our Total Compensation Calculator to compare with other employers or offers: click here.

A special perk at STS is access to the on-campus gym during off-student hours, with facilities such as basketball courts, weight rooms, cardio equipment, showers, and lockers, all free for staff.

Eldora Highlights

Located in Eldora, a community of about 2,800 residents in north-central Iowa, with scenic landscapes, outdoor activities, and cultural events. Nearby cities include Ames, Cedar Falls, Marshalltown, Iowa Falls, and Des Moines, offering educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.

Additional Information

Applicants with lived experience, foster parents, or those who have been in the HHS system are encouraged to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are also encouraged to apply. The agency uses E-Verify for employment eligibility verification. Learn more at www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum qualifications include a degree with coursework in child development, criminology, mental health, psychology, social work, sociology, or a related field, or equivalent experience working with youth or adults in relevant areas. Specific licensing requirements may apply for certain positions.

For more details, view the full job description at this link.