Youth Counselor, Haven

At Wayfinder Family Services
, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.

Wayfinder’s The Haven which opened in 2024 in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement, provides shelter and long-term foster care for unaccompanied children. The program assists children ages 0 to 17 and pregnant or parenting teenagers who enter the country alone and do not have a parent or legal guardian in the U.S. to care for them.

The program includes a group home on our L.A. campus housing boys ages 12 to 17, basic foster care in family homes for children ages 0 to 17, and therapeutic foster care in the homes of trained families for children ages 0 to 17 with significant emotional, behavioral, medical or developmental needs. Wayfinder addresses these children’s complex, intertwined needs; provides stability;

reduces trauma; and locates suitable sponsors.

• Assists in the planning, organizing, instruction, and participation of recreational activities (swimming, bowling, gym, etc.) with the children on the grounds and in the community.
• Provides transportation to residents to community outings, meetings, or other locations by driving agency vehicles.
• Implements and follows plan on individualized goals and objectives (meal plans, pre-vocational skills, etc.).
• Maintains logs on residents regarding behavior or incidents for communication with staff, parents, and residential staff.
• Documentation/record keeping on individual progress, behavior management, daily activities, resident medical, equipment, and clothing needs using appropriate documentation and systems.
• Ensures client safety through working collaboratively with the team in appropriately and effectively using the PRO-ACT model when necessary.
• Other related duties and activities may become necessary or as directed by a member of the ORR team.

• Associate’s degree with 12-semester units in a related field and experience working with youth; a high school diploma is required.
• Previously employed as full-time staff or served as a volunteer at a group home or residential program for at least one year is highly preferred.
• Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice systems as a consumer, mentor, caregiver, or other relevant experience as determined by the department.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with at-risk severely emotionally disturbed (SED) youth and/or non-minor dependents is required.
• Valid California driver's license and eligibility to drive agency vehicles.
• Must be 21 years of age to drive agency vehicles.
• Good communication skills, particularly written and oral.
• Ability to function as a team member and follow through on recommendations from professional staff. Bilingual in Spanish is highly preferred.

• Proof of required vaccinations per federal contract requirements.
• Exemptions considered for medical disability related reasons.

• Paid Time Off:
  Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4%.
• Employee referral program:
  Encourage your colleagues to join us.
• Education tuition assistance program:
  Invest in your career development.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans.
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents.

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.