Youth Shelter Counselor

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:

WHO IS YFA?

We tackle some of the world's toughest problems. Our employees are an incredible group of compassionate, committed individuals, drawn by the opportunity to make a difference. Year over year, our employees report they are proud to work here and are willing to go above and beyond in service of our mission to create a safe, nurturing environment for children.

Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. (YFA) was founded in 1970. Our purpose and role is to serve children and families in crisis, providing programs that encourage healing, restoration, and success for those we serve. This is why “Family” is our middle name Our hardworking 350+ team members work in partnership with communities and families, providing a full range of services across the state of Florida.

No matter the role, we believe every team member at YFA has a critical role in supporting our children and our communities and we constantly strive to ensure a positive, purpose-driven, dynamic work environment for you to learn, grow and meet your fullest potential.

Put your talents to use in a culture of care where you can make the world a better place.
POSITION SUMMARY:This position is responsible for counseling individuals, groups and\or problematic youth and their families using advanced techniques through individual, group, and family therapy under direct supervision of Program Director & Candace Behavioral Health.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Conduct assessments, prepare treatment plans, and ensure compliance with clinical and regulatory standards.
• Provide case management as needed.
• Operate with a moderate level of autonomy.
• Utilize moderate to complex job skills.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Engage with a moderate range of internal and external contacts.
• Facilitate large groups and manage diverse group dynamics.
• Punctually report to work and be prepared to work.
• Comply with EEO principles and maintain a workplace of dignity and respect.
• Collaborate effectively in a team setting.
• Follow guidance and direction from supervisors.
• Uphold the agency's core values and mission statement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suites.
• Provide counseling and support services to shelter youth, assisting with education, eligibility, intake, assessment, evaluation, referral, transportation, monitoring school attendance, and case management.
• Conduct group counseling and education sessions.
• Schedule and conduct formal and informal contacts with individuals relevant to specific clients.
• Maintain contact with visiting teachers to initiate truancy referrals from the School Board.
• Document counseling services including contact notes, assessments, testing, screening, intake forms, interview notes, correspondence, and statistics.
• Advocate for clients, including staffing cases in the Truancy Arbitration process, initiating CINS/FINS petitions, and representing clients in court.
• Stay informed on laws and guidelines for eligibility and counseling services from DCF, DJJ, and other agencies.
• Complete client follow-ups according to established guidelines.
• Handle shelter crisis calls from clients and non-clients.
• Make presentations about YFA programs, services, and related issues.
• Participate in meetings and work sessions related to service provision.
• Provide input on program and service improvements and participate in design/redesign efforts.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Conduct community outreach programs.
• Participate in on-call programs and required training.
• Organize and supervise recreational activities and field trips for residents.
• Complete additional tasks as necessary to ensure client services and administrative tasks are fulfilled.
• Perform other duties assigned by supervisors or leadership.
• Trained and authorized to access protected health information.

Requirements:

WHAT YOU NEED: Master’s degree; 0-3 years post master’s clinical\counseling experience or bachelor’s degree; 4+ years post bachelors experience directly in human services, preferably in counseling.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

At YFA, we are as dedicated to our team members as we are to our mission YFA provides:

• 14 Days of PTO, Incrementally Increasing Annually
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 5 Days Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Paid Life Insurance
• Legal Services
• ID Monitoring
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Immediate eligibility for 403b Savings Plan with match after 12 months
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities

And of course, an opportunity to make the world a better place

Youth and Family Alternatives is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We adhere to the principles of affirmative action and strictly prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on these protected characteristics.

Youth and Family Alternatives complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, training, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and other privileges of employment.

---