Youth Counselor - YRTC

Position: Youth Counselor I - YRTC

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Hastings, NE

Hiring Rate: $23.067

Job Posting: JR Youth Counselor I - YRTC-Hastings (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 11-05-2026

Job Description

Working for the State of Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is more than just a job-it's a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow Nebraskans. Public service provides an opportunity to contribute to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the state. At DHHS, we take pride in our mission of "Helping People Live Better Lives," and every team member plays a vital role in delivering programs and services.

Choosing a career in public service means embracing a purpose-driven path, fostering positive change, and upholding the values that make Nebraska a great place to live and thrive.

• This position requires proficiency in English including the ability to read, write, speak and comprehend the language effectively.
• Has an assigned caseload of female youth (ages 14-19) at Youth Rehabilitation Treatment Center-Hastings.
• Maintains youth's treatment assignments, plan of care, and progress letters.
• Submits monthly reports to the youth's judge, attorney, and parents/guardians on youth's progress.
• Completes required documentation and enters into NFOCUS database monthly.
• Attends and participates in monthly family team meeting to discuss youth's progress in their treatment and programming.
• Participates in weekly clinical team and stage advancement meetings.
• Participates and testifies in youth's reentry and review hearings.
• Coordinates with departments and the youth's attorney, probation officer, and parents/guardians on reentry back into the community.
• Coordinates reentry therapeutic furloughs and prepares furlough agreements.
• Meets with youth at least monthly to discuss goals and progress. Facilitates treatment groups.
• Supervises group outings, volunteer and community service activities, and recreational activities.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications :
  Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, behavioral sciences, human services, or related field and experience in child or youth care, teaching, foster care, delinquency prevention, juvenile court systems, community work related to children and youth, behavioral health systems, patient care, nursing, or other areas involving contact or interaction with youth or families. OR four years of relevant experience. Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Other :
  Must be 21 years of age and valid driver's license.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.