Residential Counselor

The Residential Counselor supports the Mission and Values of Hope Ignites Chicago. The Residential Counselor is responsible for directing the operations of the home to create a family atmosphere that supports the development of the full child. The Residential Counselor is part of a team of professionals and volunteers. They perform their duties relatively free from direct supervision, acting at all times in a professional manner.

• Know and follow Hope Ignites Chicago program policies and procedures regarding the care and development of scholars.
• Assume responsibility for scholars in residence, including daily decisions regarding health, safety, and discipline.
• Responsible for physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and academic development of scholars living in home in accordance with individual scholar service plans and Hope Ignites Chicago program policies.
• Schedule and plan ahead for doctor or other appointments and complete all required documentation for scholar and house files.
• With direction of Program Director, identify program therapists and communicate with therapist on scholar goals of therapy and progress.
• Develop and maintain parent and/or guardian relationships and involvement in their child’s life and the program.
• Implement program to teach transitional living skills.

• Monitors academic performance of scholars to identify areas of concern requiring additional support.
• Maintains regular contact with teachers and schools, including representation of program at teacher conferences and related activities.
• Provides individual assistance and tutoring as needed.

• Assure that home functions in accordance with Hope Ignites Chicago program and local licensing standards.
• Maintain the home in a clean and safe condition, providing for nutritional and physical needs of scholars.
• Ensure that scheduled and necessary maintenance occurs on all program property and vehicles.
• Perform tasks necessary to maintain a clean and safe environment, including cooking, cleaning, shopping, and driving.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years of age per licensing requirements.
• Prior experience working with youth (12-18 years of age) and/or be enrolled in a degree program in a related field
• Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record

State licensing agencies may have additional requirements.

The position requires the following competencies for success:

• Able to communicate clearly and effectively with adolescents, their guardians or parents, co-workers and supervisors and other audiences verbally and in writing.
• Be able to assist scholars in developing study and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to develop appropriate relationships with different populations, including scholars and their families.
• Sensitivity to different religious backgrounds, sexual orientations and cultures.

The position requires the ability to perform household tasks like shopping, cooking, cleaning and minor property care that may require bending, lifting and carrying. The position requires the ability to closely monitor the whereabouts and activities of several pre-adolescent and adolescent children in a multi-story home, as well as the ability to safely transport children in program vehicles. It may also require engaging in athletic, recreational and/or camping activities with the scholars.

The position requires obtaining CPR, first aid, and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention certification, and annual participation in continuing education, satisfied through in-house programs offered by Hope Ignites Chicago or third-party providers.

This position is focused primarily upon serving the scholars of the program through advancing the mission of the organization in support of the goal of creating a family-like atmosphere, and the development of positive, committed relationships. The position will have monthly supervision consultations and an annual performance evaluation.

Reports To:

Residential Supervisor Supervises Others:
No

Classification:
Non-exempt Pay Scale:
Hourly, $20-$22