Youth Counselor

Holy Family Institute; Emsworth (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Sick time

12 paid holidays

EAP (Employee Assistance)

Job summary

Holy Family Institute seeks a Youth Counselor to support the Journey of Hope LTFC program. You will assist the Shift Supervisor in supervising children, ensuring safety and well‑being, and documenting daily activities in line with agency policies.

The role requires one year with children, strong communication, and the ability to follow behavioral support models while maintaining privacy and respect for diverse backgrounds. Health benefits and a structured team environment are provided.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 1 year working with children.
• Ability to document information accurately and communicate effectively.
• Act 33/34 and FBI clearances or ability to obtain them.
• Valid PA driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Fluency in Spanish and English preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct daily supervision and monitoring of children in care.
• Follow safety, health and emergency procedures.
• Supervise medications and communicate medical information appropriately.
• Document incidents, medical records and compliance-related responsibilities.
• Apply approved behavioral support models to teach social and life skills.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment.

Skills

Communication

Documentation

Bilingual (ES/EN)

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

is a 125-year-old Catholic organization that employs more than 350 people in Allegheny, Armstrong, and Beaver Counties. HFI provides help, hope, and healing to more than 40,000 children and families each year through 12 social service and educational programs.

At Holy Family Institute, true well-being encompasses not only an employee's physical health, but also their financial, emotional, and purposeful aspects of life. To support our employees and their families in achieving total wellness, HFI provides a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit program.

Benefits

• Medical coverage available with a deductible reimbursement plan
• Prescription coverage
• Dental and vision plans
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Legal assistance
• Cyber security coverage
• Retirement savings plan with employer match
• Employer‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability
• Free life insurance and AD&D
• Additional voluntary life insurance
• Mileage and expense reimbursement
• Vacation time
• Sick time
• 12 paid holidays
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

How to Apply

• Browse our list of current openings below and click on the position for full details.
• If you do not see a specific position to which you would like to apply, you may fill out the General Application.
• When you are ready to apply, complete the application and upload your resume in our online portal.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Hours

Full‑time, morning/afternoon 8 hours per‑shift

HFI Mission Duties

Holy Family Institute (HFI) is a 120-year-old Catholic organization with an impeccable history of serving children and families in the Pittsburgh Region. We are one of Pittsburgh’s largest social service organizations operating 15 programs in three counties. We are an independent organization guided by Catholic Social Teachings and serving people of all faiths and backgrounds.

General Statement of Duties

The Youth Counselor assists the Shift Supervisor in providing direct daily supervision and monitoring of children in care of the Journey of Hope LTFC program. Final approval for hire will be done by the Project Officer of the Office of Refugee and Resettlement which is a sub‑agency of the Department of Health and Human Services of the federal government.

Essential Functions

• Promote Holy Family Institute’s mission, values, professionalism, teamwork, and positive relationships with staff, youth, families, and community partners.
• Demonstrate effective communication, conflict resolution, problem‑solving, and professional conduct at all times.
• Provide continuous supervision, care, and support for children and youth, including those with special needs.
• Ensure the safety, health, and wellbeing of youth by following all agency policies, procedures, and emergency protocols.
• Supervise medications, medical appointments, illness care, and communicate medical information to appropriate personnel.
• Apply HART, SELF, and approved behavioral support models to teach social, emotional, academic, and independent living skills.
• Respect children’s privacy, dignity, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and individual needs while maintaining appropriate interactions.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment, including facilities, vehicles, equipment, supplies, and security measures.
• Complete all required documentation, incident reports, medical records, intake forms, and compliance‑related responsibilities accurately and on time.
• Follow all training, accreditation, regulatory, reporting, transportation, and administrative requirements.
• Complete other duties assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent required, Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• One year working with children required; residential or human services preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively and document information accurately.
• Ability to deal efficiently and effectively with a wide variety of individuals. Ability to maintain electronic records, medical files and have basic computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have or be able to obtain Act 33/34 and FBI clearances.
• The ability to drive a car or van; must have a valid PA driver's license.
• Fluency in Spanish and English (read, write and speak) preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Ability to lift or push a minimum of 20 lbs by themselves or up to 50 lbs with the assistance of others.
• Ability to stay awake for an entire working shift.
• Ability to verbally de‑escalate children during a crisis situation.
• Capable of frequently climbing stairs and other activities that involve physical exertion (i.e. walking hallways, walking across campus).
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly in person / on telephone.
• Quick physical response to a crisis situation.
• Must be able to implement CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) non‑passive behavior techniques.

Commitment to Social Justice

Holy Family Institute and its affiliated organizations are committed to an environment that respects and values every human being and individual differences. We will invest time and resources to create an inclusive environment for all of our stakeholders. This means we will respect diversity that includes race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, disability, language, and sexual orientation. We also believe that we should be “Faithful Listeners” and embrace diversity of ideas, perspectives, and values. We believe in providing access, opportunity, fair treatment, and advancement for all people. Believing that “God is Found in Every Day Activities” we will do our best to eliminate barriers that prevent full participation in our programs and services. We believe “Loving Relationships” means that all are welcome, all are neighbors, and there are no exceptions. With this belief we aim to create an environment in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supportive and valued.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Holy Family Institute and its affiliated organizations are committed to an environment that respects and values every human being and individual differences. We will respect race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, education, disability, language, and sexual orientation. We also believe that we should be "Faithful Listeners" and embrace a variety of ideas, perspectives and values. We believe in providing access, opportunity, fair treatment, and advancement for all people. Believing that "God is Found in Every Day Activities" we will do our best to eliminate barriers that prevent full participation in our programs and services. We believe "Loving Relationships" means that all are welcome, all are neighbors, and there are no exceptions. With this belief we aim to create an environment in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supportive and valued.