Youth Prevention Services Counselor

Safe Children Coalition, Inc.; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12-month salary with 11-month schedule

Summer month off

5 weeks PTO accrual during first year

12 paid holidays

Medical, dental, vision, life, short‑/

Job summary

Safe Children Coalition, Inc. seeks a Youth Prevention Services (YPS) Counselor to empower youth aged 6–17 and strengthen families.

This 12-month position follows the school-year calendar with pay spread over 11 months and a summer month off. You will provide individual, family, and group prevention services, complete assessments, develop service plans, and collaborate with schools and community partners to build resilience, coping, and school engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus two years of professional experience in child welfare, social services, youth services, education, or a related field.
• Master’s degree plus one year of professional experience in child welfare, social services, youth services, education, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, family, and group prevention services to youth ages 6–17.
• Complete assessments and develop individualized service plans.
• Support youth experiencing truancy, runaway behaviors, ungovernable behaviors, family conflict, and other behavioral or school-related challenges.
• Help youth develop communication, coping, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Build positive relationships with youth and families.
• Collaborate with schools, families, and community partners.
• Connect youth and families with community resources.
• Monitor progress and maintain accurate, timely documentation.
• Provide early support to help prevent challenges from escalating.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Rehabilitation, Special Education, Health Education, or a related human services field

Master’s degree in one of the above fields

Job description

Ready to Make a Difference?

Description

Empower Youth. Strengthen Families. Build Brighter Futures. Are you passionate about helping young people overcome challenges and reach their full potential? Join Safe Children Coalition’s Prevention and Diversion team as a Youth Prevention Services (YPS) Counselor and make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and families in our community.

If you're ready to use your skills to make a meaningful change and are passionate about youth development, we want to hear from you!

Ready to Make a Difference?

Empower Youth. Strengthen Families. Build Brighter Futures. Are you passionate about helping young people overcome challenges and reach their full potential? Join Safe Children Coalition’s Prevention and Diversion team as a Youth Prevention Services (YPS) Counselor and make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and families in our community.

The YPS Counselor provides prevention-focused services to youth ages 6–17 experiencing challenges at home, school, or in the community. Youth may be experiencing truancy, runaway behaviors, ungovernable behaviors, family conflict, behavioral concerns, or school difficulties that may place them at risk of further involvement with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems.

Using a strengths-based approach, the YPS Counselor helps youth build resilience, develop positive coping and decision‑making skills, strengthen relationships, improve school engagement, and develop strategies for long-term success.

This is a 12‑month position with an 11‑month work schedule that follows the school‑year calendar. Employees receive their full annual salary over 12 months while working 11 months, with the additional month off during the summer.

What You'll Do

• Provide individual, family, and group prevention services to youth ages 6–17.
• Complete assessments and develop individualized service plans.
• Support youth experiencing truancy, runaway behaviors, ungovernable behaviors, family conflict, and other behavioral or school‑related challenges.
• Help youth develop communication, coping, problem‑solving, conflict resolution, and decision‑making skills.
• Build positive relationships with youth and families.
• Collaborate with schools, families, and community partners.
• Connect youth and families with community resources.
• Monitor progress and maintain accurate, timely documentation.
• Provide early support to help prevent challenges from escalating.

Why Join Safe Children Coalition?

At Safe Children Coalition, you’ll be part of a mission‑driven team dedicated to strengthening families and supporting youth. We value our employees and provide the resources, training, and support needed to succeed.

We Offer

• 12‑month salary with an 11‑month work schedule
• Summer month off
• 5 weeks of PTO accrual during your first year
• 12 paid holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short‑term and long‑term disability benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Mileage reimbursement for approved work‑related travel
• Professional development and ongoing training
• Coaching, mentorship, and clinical supervision support when applicable
• $49,000–$52,000 annual salary

Requirements

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Rehabilitation, Special Education, Health Education, or a related human services field plus two years of professional experience in child welfare, social services, youth services, education, or a related field.

OR

Master’s degree in one of the above fields plus one year of professional experience in child welfare, social services, youth services, education, or a related field.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Requirements

Possess a valid Florida Driver’s License in good standing and be insurable by the agency’s current insurance carrier. Must meet state criminal background check requirements. Ability to work a flexible schedule. Knowledge of community resources.