Youth Counselor

Youth Counselor - AdvocatePosition: Full time 35 hours / week Benefits Eligible Position Do you love to motivate youths & young adults and help them to identify and outline paths to success?As one of the oldest Centers for Independent Living in the country, Stavros has been a leader in advocacy and support for the community it serves for nearly 50 yearsWithin the Department of Youth Services as a youth services advocate, you will provide the necessary mentoring for youths of this community and those with disabilities and lead them towards achieving their own personal independence and help instill the tools they may carry with them for future success. Stavros is a Non-Profit Organization that prides itself on its culture by embracing applicants with diverse backgrounds and as an Equal Opportunity Employer, persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. AA/ EOEStavros offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package which includes: Medical (79% Company Paid)Dental (80% Company Paid)Vision (once monthly starting at $8.34)Life & LTD (100% Company Paid)Supplemental InsurancesRetirement OptionsEmployee Assistance Program14 Paid Annual Holidays off 2 Weeks' Vacation accrued in first yearMileage ReimbursementRequirementsRequirements As a youth advocate, your primary responsibilities will include: Meeting with young adults to create and/or review Independent Living Plan by identifying goals and objectives within a month of referral.Provide peer counseling, skills-training, service coordination, self-advocacy and social recreation services to individuals enrolled in Stavros Youth Service Programs. Co-facilitate and facilitate group skills training, social recreational, community advocacy sessions/events with young adults who identify as having a disability.Provide education, training, and support to parents of transition age youth through quarterly groups and individual meetings. Research and identify community resources consistent with the needs of young adults receiving services. Conduct outreach activities to identify young adults eligible for Youth Services.Participate in meetings and trainings as determined by supervisor. This can include but not limited to staff trainings, meetings with contract holders, needs for advocacy and such things that provide opportunities to young adults who identify as having a disability to engage in educational and advocacy efforts to further their understanding of disability rights. Assist with other duties within the youth services department when needed. Physical Demands and Requirements: Qualified candidates for the Youth Services position will have the following:Reliable transportation with Valid MA Driver's License & proof of insurance if applicable Traveling within the counties served: Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden Carry out in-office tasks including but not limited to: Electronic/ written documentation Organizing travels and meetings with students and teachers and family members, potential job seekers for work-based-learning