Youth Counselor

Youth Counselor Assistant

The Youth Counselor Assistant position within the Department of Human Services provides responsible direct services to children and/or families including individual, group, and family counseling, case management, skill-building, activities oversight, and other case or therapeutic services. Work is completed under general supervision and reports to a Human Services Program Supervisor. The preferred hiring range for this position is between $27.62 - $33.26 an hour ($57,449.60 - $69,180.80 annually).

Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, non-exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following retirement benefits:

• Choice of retirement plan:
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
• Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Creates and/or participates in the coordination of treatment or assessment planning through informal individual counseling as well as crisis intervention in emergency situations.
• Provides therapeutic structure and provides for the physical and emotional safety of participants while supervising the completion of tasks and activities.
• Performs case management duties, which may include but is not limited to screening for eligibility and coordination with community partners, families, school staff, probation, and social service agencies.
• Provides trauma-supportive and appropriately responsive service.
• Participates in overall program planning, evaluation, and documentation. Maintains case records and prepares reports.
• May develop and/or facilitate, lead, or co-lead various group meetings and/or recreational and educational activities.
• Coordinates with other agency staff on treatment observations and information.
• May testify in court proceedings and makes recommendations to legal authorities.
• Additional responsibilities depending on assigned functional area:
• Responsibility for support functions such as equipment maintenance, stocking inventory supplies and oversight of vehicle maintenance.
• Transporting program participants.
• Required to respond upon activation from the City Manager of the Continuity of Operations Plan and/or Emergency Operations Plan. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Department guidelines.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

• May provide on-call coverage and respond to emergency situations.
• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Bachelor's degree in any field AND some experience working in a Human Services field.
• OR
• Associate degree AND 2 years of experience working in a Human Services Field.
• OR
• High School Diploma or GED AND 4 years of experience in Human Services Field.
• OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
Preferred:
• Experience in the care and treatment of adolescents.
• College coursework in behavioral sciences or human services.
• Directly related experience (case management services) in Virginia…