Youth Counselor, NC

Position ConceptA positive, supportive role model who guides and influences group activities on a consistent basis that enhances the youth's confidence and self-esteem. Youth Counselors ensure the progress and welfare of each client and the group through therapeutic programs. Responsible for staff secure supervision during the afternoon, evening, and sleeping hours. Essential FunctionsResponsible for the overall supervision of clients to ensure the safety and security of all youth and staff. This supervision may include overnight/awake supervision of youth.Ensure the physical presence and safety of youth by observing them at frequent, unpredictable intervals set by management and relevant policies.Notify the appropriate facility staff and supervisor immediately upon observation of anything out of the ordinary, and carry out all instructions given by the staff and/or supervisor.Lead group of youth through a variety of daily activities while providing group and individual counseling, with an emphasis on strength-based development; Maintain a high standard of successful role modeling for youth that reflects enthusiasm, creativity, flexibility and activities that are educational and engaging.Ensure balanced activities for all levels of involvement of youth based on capabilities.Ensure successful development of the youth through rational living cognitive behavioral therapy to help youth define their life goals and then help them achieve those goals-pointing out thinking errors and faulty cognitions along the way.Provide feedback, growth experiences, and recognition for youth to enhance confidence and self-esteem.Participate in staffing meetings with, Direct Care Supervisors, Sr Counselor/Teacher, Director of Programming, Lead Teacher, and others.Submit written evaluations as scheduled on all individuals and groups ensuring documentation and communication is shared at all levels of program involvement.Demonstrate both sensitivity and responsiveness to the cultural differences within the client population.Immediately notify the Direct Care Supervisor of any intruders, property damage, or unsafe acts or conditions.Other Duties Include, But Not Limited ToMay oversee in the self-administration of medications required by youth in care pursuant to Eckerd policy on Medication Administration and appropriate training.Participate in training and development activities as required.Willingness to participate as a team member in all activities for overall program’s success.Maintain living area and equipment.Report any acts, incidents or conditions that reflect the possibility of inappropriate youth-to-youth or staff-to-youth relationships.Report any use of physical force and all unusual incidents per Eckerd policy and state guidelines.Perform other duties as assigned.Position SpecificationsEducation: Two years of college in a social or human service field or a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of two years’ prior experience working with youth is required. Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited College or University, in social or behavioral services or outdoor recreation specialties preferred.Experience:Must be 21 years of age or older. Direct childcare in a therapeutic/rehabilitative setting preferred. Experience in outdoor recreation preferred.Skills: Group leadership, communication, self-motivated, level-headed, objective, flexible. Knowledge of group dynamics and experiential education preferred. Ability to complete job-related training and have satisfactory evaluation at conclusion of 90-day probationary period.Other: Must meet state criminal background check requirements.Travel: Must be able to meet requirements for Eckerd’s Auto Insurance and be able to drive for business purposes. Valid and appropriate driver’s license or state identification is required. Position may require incumbent to drive. Employee must obtain valid driver’s license or state identification in the state in which they are employed within 90 days of hire.Physical/Mental Demands: Ability to travel about property, through wilderness terrain. Must be able to pass evaluation of crisis intervention/physical restraint techniques and written certification exam, and use approved techniques as needed. Must be able to participate in aquatic activities. Ability to stand, sit or walk for extended periods of time. Constant exposure to outdoors and/or weather conditions. Must have near and far visual acuity, any deficiencies of which must be able to be mitigated with corrective lenses. Responsible for the overall supervision and safety of clients. Supervision may include shift work. Ability to frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds. Ability to transport clients and staff. Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the appropriate state and to the extent that data is attainable under federal law.*This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified.Make more than a Living, Make a DifferenceWe provide our employees with numerous opportunities for growth, education, advancement, and the chance to contribute to business objectives. We offer competitive salaries and an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:Health, Dental and Vision Insurance|19 days of Paid Time Off the first year|11 paid holidays|Retirement savings plan with employer match up to 5%|Flexible spending accounts|Paid short-term and long-term disability|Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance|Voluntary term life insuranceHeadquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and founded in 1968 by philanthropists, Jack and Ruth Eckerd, Eckerd Connects is one of the largest national nonprofit child and family service organizations in the United States. Eckerd provides a full continuum of life-changing behavioral health, child welfare services, and workforce development through multiple offices and facilities nationwide that strengthen families, assist young adults, and help children succeed.Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. ("Eckerd Connects") considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Eckerd Connects is a drug-free workplace and utilizes E-verify to confirm employment eligibility.