Youth Development Counselor

General Description

We seek a passionate and dedicated Youth Development Counselor to join our team. As a Youth Development Counselor, you will guide, support, and mentor young individuals, helping them navigate challenges and develop essential life skills. Your role will involve creating and implementing developmentally appropriate programs and activities, conducting one-on-one counseling sessions, facilitating group discussions, and collaborating with other professionals to ensure the holistic well‑being of the youth.

• Oversee the safety and security of all MDPYFS residents, remaining vigilant and attentive.
• Maintain awareness of the whereabouts of all assigned youth on the agency roster.
• Monitor the physical and mental health and overall well‑being of residents.
• Foster positive relationships with youth, establishing a safe and supportive atmosphere.
• Ensure that youth receive necessary medical and social‑emotional support when required.
• Implement individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSP) to address the unique needs of residents.
• Offer counseling and mentorship to assist youth in developing life skills, self‑esteem, and resilience.
• Organize and lead group activities, workshops, and discussions covering topics such as leadership, conflict resolution, the Lasallian culture of care, and career development.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support the holistic development of youth.
• Assist and engage in various safe and enjoyable leisure activities suitable for young adolescent men.
• Enforce compliance with all MDPYFS rules and procedures among residents.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of youth, adjusting intervention strategies as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records, including progress reports.
• Adhere to state regulations, standards, and MDPYFS policies and procedures while overseeing youth both within and outside the residence.
• Provide transportation for residents to appointments, visits, outings, etc.
• Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and resources related to youth development and mentoring.
• Participate in meetings as directed by members of the leadership team.
• Pursue personal and professional development, including mandatory training for compliance and agency requirements.
• Perform household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry as needed.
• Support the overall strategic plan of the organization.
• Demonstrate adherence to the organization’s core values and commitments.
• Fulfill any other duties as assigned by members of the leadership team.

• Proficiency in communicating effectively and articulating clearly with both residents and staff.
• Capability to establish and maintain a consistent, structured environment for residents.
• Aptitude to handle special needs residents with challenging, occasionally aggressive behaviors.
• Readiness to extend service to residents beyond regular work hours.
• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of residents’ personal information.
• Availability to work during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Understanding and integrating the Lasallian Culture of Care as a guiding work philosophy.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with the parents/guardians of special needs residents.
• Proficiency in advocating effectively for residents under your care.
• Flexibility to work varying hours as needed.
• Capacity to demonstrate empathy, patience, and the ability to build trust with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Competence in safely operating a vehicle.
• Willingness to engage in normative experiences with residents, including dining, social events, and outings.

• While fulfilling this role, the Youth Development Counselor must actively engage with and be involved in the activities of the youth. These tasks may encompass but are not confined to cooking, aiding in cleaning, driving, participating in sports, and de‑escalating situations. The position may occasionally present emotional challenges when working with youth.

• This position is subject to assignments at any MDPYFS location as directed by management. Work hours are variable, contingent upon the agency’s requirements, and may…