Youth Counselor

Position**:Youth Counselor | Juvenile Detention Specialist**

Location: Abraxas Academy, 1000 Academy Dr., Morgantown, PA 19543

**Hiring Youth Counselors | Juvenile Detention Specialist** to join our team on the Juvenile Services unit at Abraxas Academy in Morgantown, PA. Here, you will help at-risk adolescents BUILD BETTER FUTURES.**

**As part of our team, you will benefit from detailed training, ongoing support, and continued opportunities to develop new skills and move forward in your career. You'll also know that you are playing a vital role in an organization that is providing an essential service.**

**Abraxas Academy **is located minutes off of Exit 298 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Berks County and provides detention and treatment services for court committed youth.

**Salary: $22.00 Hourly**

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**Shift: Second Shift**

Minimum Requirements:

- Associate's degree or sixty (60) credit hours from an accredited college or university.
- At least twenty-one (21) years of age.
- Must have a valid drivers' license.
- Must obtain clearances (PA State Police, Child Abuse, FBI).
- Must pass pre-employment physical exam, drug screen & TB test.
- Must be physically capable of handling adolescents during crisis situations using safe crisis management techniques.

**Who We Are**:
**Abraxas Youth & Family Services** is a national nonprofit human services provider dedicated to Building Better Futures for at-risk youth, adults, and families. Our diversified array of services includes alternative education, outpatient counseling, in-home services, shelter, detention, residential treatment and re-entry/transition services.

Since 1973, Abraxas team members have positively impacted the lives of those we serve and the communities in which they live.

**Benefits & Perks**:
We provide a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that offers the protection, peace of mind and flexibility designed to support you - both at home and at work.
- 401(k)
- Free Meals on Shift
- Medical & Dental & Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Basic Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Life Assistance Program (LAP)
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Training
- Advancement Opportunities

**As a Youth Counselor | Juvenile Detention Specialist, you will**:
Direct the daily activities of juvenile males in programming utilizing acceptable behavioral management principles. Must have the ability to exercise independent judgment in crisis situations.

**Major Duties, Responsibilities**:

- Interacts with and supervises clients during daily activities in a manner that ensures their safety and security.
- Maintains regular communication with supervisor and co-workers.
- Provides effective facility security including conducting headcounts, room checks, and observing client movement.
- Observes client behavior and intervenes appropriately.
- Processes intakes and screens clients according to program policy.
- Observes activities and responds accordingly including emergency situations including evacuation, CPR, or first aid.
- Demonstrates appropriate use of Safe Crisis Management techniques and skills.

**Requirements**:

- Must be prompt and dependable.
- Must be able to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries (including confidentiality).
- Must be able to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
- Must be able to follow direction, solve problems, and work effectively as part of a team.
- Must be comfortable dealing with people who are in treatment and who are justice-involved.
- Must be mature, grounded and sensible in a variety of situations. This may include dealing with people in occasional emotional, mental or physical distress.
- Must be able to enforce rules in a firm yet supportive manner.
- Must be able to speak and write clearly.
- Must be computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Office Word and Outlook.
- Must be able to guide and instruct facility residents in all applicable rules, regulations and procedures in accordance with the Resident Handbook.
- Must have good interpersonal skills and be able to establish and maintain professional boundaries with residents.
- Must be able to create and/or maintain routine records, logs and reports.
- Must be able to learn relevant rules, regulations and procedures of the facility, including applicable requirements of licensing and accreditation.

**Why Should You Consider Abraxas?**
- At **Abraxas**, we celebrate the richness of our diverse employees and the communities we serve. We are actively committed to building a culture of awareness and belonging, as we strive to ensure we are a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally competent organization.
- As we work to make a difference in people's lives, we are dedicated to respect, equity, and the engagement of those we serve and our employees.
- As a provider of trauma-informed care, we firmly believe in recovery and that our clients can lead fulfilling and m