Youth Counselor

Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do Why do we do this? We get that question a lot. The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public

Why work at Linn County? 

* Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget) 
* Medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance 
* Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS) 
* Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums and cash rewards to eligible employees 
* On-site fitness centers for $15 per year 
* 100% County paid basic life insurance 
* 12 paid holidays per year 
* Tuition reimbursement program available to eligible employees 
* Training & professional development opportunities

Hourly Wage:

New Hire: $25.09   ·  90 days: $26.34  ·  1 year: $27.73  ·  2 years: $29.24  ·  3 years: $30.78

 

About Youth Counselor - Female:

2 positions available - shifts listed below. Assumes responsibility for the supervision, safety, security and behavior management of dependent, neglect or delinquent youth at the Juvenile Detention Center or Linn County Child and Youth Development/Peer Group.  Work is performed under general supervision. Knows the County's Customer-Centered Culture principles, the County's Mission, Strategic Plan and Core Values and demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction for all customers on a regular basis. 

* Supervises dependent, neglected or delinquent youth residing in the Juvenile Detention Center or participating in Peer Group activities or programs.
* Makes decisions involving the admission of youth in crisis situations, voluntary or police referral.  
* Interviews police/juvenile court officer or case worker and parents.  
* Assesses the psychological, physical and emotional needs of the youth being referred.
* Checks and maintains security and safety of residents on a continual basis.
* Organizes, plans and implements structured daily activities for youth after assessing group dynamics and individual needs.  
* Prepares intake packets and organizes groups for new Peer Group clients.
* Prepares monthly activity schedule for Peer Group.
* Provides group and individual counseling for all residents.  
* Contacts school counselors and visits schools regarding Peer Group clients.
* Promotes, encourages and supports appropriate behavior through relationship building, and confronts negative/inappropriate behavior in a professional manner.
* Contacts parents/school counselor regarding Peer Group participants' behavior.
* Physically restrains residents for the protection of themselves or others.
* Observes and records description of behavior for the purpose of program planning and for recommendation to the court.  
* Keeps daily records and reports.
* Responds to emergency situations such as escape or suicide attempts, drug overdose, intoxicated youth, etc.
* Implements medical instructions.  
* Monitors medical needs of youth and refers problems to appropriate authority.
* Implements behavior management system utilizing a token economy, behavior contracting, level system, time outs, mediation essays, etc.
* Prepares and manages serving of meals for 10-20 people.   
* Purchases supplies for Peer Group Program.  
* Develops transportation routes for new Peer Groups participants.
* Performs some maintenance tasks when needed.  
* Provides for maintenance of van.
* Performs all other related duties as assigned.
* Knows the products they personally produce and the customers of each product. Listens to the "Voice of the Customer "and closes gaps between customer expectations and experience whenever possible.
* Bachelor's degree in the social sciences or a related field required.  
* Minimum of six (6) months of experience in the care, counseling and management of dependent, neglected and delinquent adolescents within the last five (5) years required. Any bachelor's degree will be considered with two (2) to three (3) years directly related experience within the last five (5) years; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities within the last five (5) years.
* Working knowledge of the care, counseling and management of dependent, neglected, and delinquent youth.
* Working knowledge of the social sciences.  
* Basic understanding of the social service and juvenile court systems.  
* Knowledge of community resources.
* Working knowledge of group dynamics and behavior management techniques. 
* Knowledge of Juvenile Code.  
* Basic knowledge of drugs (legal and illegal) and their side effects.
* Ability to assess emotional and physical needs of youth.  
* Ability to function as an effective member of the childcare team.  
* Ability to establish and maintain positive professional relationship with co-workers, other professionals, parents, and youth.
* Ability to receive, process and communicate information, orally and in writing.  
* Ability to demonstrate awareness of the current stresses and problems facing adolescents and a basic understanding of the modern principles and practices involved with addressing these issues.
* Ability to use sound judgment in the application of program guidelines to a wide variety of situations and behavior.
* Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changes.  
* Must meet requirements and licensing regulations, including; good physical condition and good health evidenced by the ability to pass a County physical examination which includes a drug test after offer of employment; a person who has a record of a criminal conviction or founded child abuse report shall not be employed, unless an evaluation concludes that the crime or founded abuse does not merit prohibition of employment.
* Certifications required after hire are Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting, Medication Dispensing, CPR, Mandt, Prison Rape Elimination Act and Gentle Self Defense Training.



Special Requirements:

Must meet requirements and licensing regulations, including good health evidenced by the ability to pass a County physical examination which includes a drug test after offer of employment; a person who has a record of a criminal conviction or founded child abuse report shall not be employed, unless an evaluation concludes that the crime or founded abuse does not merit prohibition of employment. Regular work attendance required. Must remain awake and aware of surroundings at all times. Voluntary overtime may be offered; working involuntary overtime is mandatory.      Shift 1:

Tuesday - Saturday 

3 - 11 p.m.

Shift 2:

Friday - Saturday, 9:30 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.

Saturday - Sunday, 9:30 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.

Monday, Tuesday, 1 -11 p.m.

Wednesday, Thursday off