Youth Counselor - School Based

Four Oaks Family and Children Services; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Four Oaks Family and Children Services is seeking a School-Based Youth Counselor to support students in a Cedar Rapids area school setting. You will connect with youth, educators, and residential teams to foster a safe, structured learning environment and help students navigate daily challenges.

You will supervise activities, support transitions, and promote positive growth through individual and group approaches, while maintaining safety, collaboration, and consistent communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 1 year of relevant experience with at-risk populations or school support services.

Responsibilities

• Be a Positive Role Model by building therapeutic relationships and offering encouragement and support throughout the school day.
• Support student success by supervising activities, aiding transitions, and keeping students engaged in learning.
• Keep students safe by supervising movement between units and classrooms with appropriate safety expectations.
• Help navigate behavioral challenges and mediate conflicts, promoting positive coping skills.
• Bridge communication between Four Oaks residential programming and school staff for coordinated support.
• Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and residential staff to support individualized treatment and educational goals.
• Assist with health-related needs, including medication administration, first aid, and transportation to appointments.
• Contribute to therapeutic group activities and transition plans for students.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe learning spaces and participate in meetings and trainings.

Skills

Patience & empathy

Communication

Team collaboration

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

School-Based Youth Counselor – Support Students. Build Connections. Make a Difference!

Be a Positive Influence. Help Youth Succeed. Make Every School Day Count!

Are you passionate about working with youth and helping them overcome challenges? Do you enjoy being part of a team that supports students academically, emotionally, and behaviorally?

At Four Oaks, we're looking for a compassionate, dependable, and motivated School-Based Youth Counselor to join our team at our STOP Campus in Bertram, Iowa!

This unique opportunity allows you to work alongside educators, clinical professionals, and residential treatment teams to help youth navigate their school day, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed.

The best part? You'll have the opportunity to make a difference both in the classroom and beyond!

What You'll Do – Help Youth Succeed Every Day!

As a School-Based Youth Counselor, you'll serve as an important connection between Four Oaks and the Cedar Rapids Community School District, helping create a safe, supportive, and structured learning environment for youth receiving residential treatment services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• - Be a Positive Role Model: Build meaningful, therapeutic relationships with youth while providing encouragement, guidance, and support throughout their school day.
• - Support Student Success: Supervise students during school activities, assist with classroom transitions, and help youth remain engaged in their educational experience.
• - Keep Students Safe: Escort youth between residential program units and classrooms while maintaining appropriate supervision and safety expectations.
• - Help Navigate Challenges: Support students through behavioral incidents, mediate conflicts, and help develop positive problem-solving and coping skills.
• - Bridge the Gap: Serve as a liaison between Four Oaks residential programming and school staff to ensure consistent communication and coordinated support.
• - Work as a Team: Collaborate with teachers, school facilitators, clinical professionals, and residential staff to support individualized treatment and educational goals.
• - Support Health & Wellness: Assist with medication administration, first aid, health-related needs, and transportation to scheduled medical or dental appointments as appropriate.
• - Promote Positive Growth: Assist with therapeutic groups, individualized support strategies, and student transition plans.
• - Create a Safe Environment: Help maintain clean, organized, and safe learning spaces for students and staff.
• - Stay Connected: Participate in school team meetings, clinical consultations, trainings, and collaborative planning discussions.
• - Provide Consistent Support: Work within the onsite school during regular school days and support residential treatment units during school breaks and non-school days.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for individuals who understand that every young person has unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

You'll be a great fit if you:

• - Have a passion for working with youth and making a positive difference.
• - Are patient, compassionate, dependable, and able to remain calm in challenging situations.
• - Enjoy working in a collaborative environment with educators and behavioral health professionals.
• - Have strong communication, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• - Can provide structure, encouragement, and consistent support to youth.
• - Are comfortable adapting to different environments and responsibilities.
• - Believe every student deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and successful.

Why Choose Four Oaks? Because Your Impact Matters!

At Four Oaks, we believe meaningful change starts with people who care. We understand that supporting youth takes patience, dedication, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

When you join our team, you'll become part of an organization that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.

What makes Four Oaks a great place to work?

• - Meaningful Work: Make a positive difference in the lives of youth every day.
• - Unique Work Environment: Experience the rewarding combination of educational and residential treatment settings.
• - Supportive Team Culture: Collaborate with dedicated educators, counselors, and clinical professionals.
• - Professional Development: Build valuable skills through ongoing training and hands-on experience.
• - Career Growth: Explore opportunities to develop and advance within the organization.
• - Purpose-Driven Mission: Help youth build confidence, develop life skills, and work toward brighter futures.
• - Inclusive Workplace: Join an organization that values diversity, respect, and equal opportunity.

Be the Support They Need. Be the Difference They Remember.

Sometimes, the smallest moments make the biggest impact. A little encouragement, a helping hand, or someone who believes in their potential can change the direction of a young person's day—and their future.

At Four Oaks, you'll have the opportunity to be that positive influence while building a meaningful and rewarding career.

Your patience can build trust. Your encouragement can inspire growth. Your dedication can change lives.

Qualifications

What you need:

To qualify you must be at least 21 years of age and possess a Bachelor's Degree plus one (1) year of relevant experience with At Risk populations, and/or school support services OR meets Youth Counselor requirements plus added relevant experience.