JYF- Youth Counselor

About The Role

Youth Counselor (NSD) are the guardians of the daily milieu, and their role is central in helping the youth residing in the facility. Supervise their assigned children in everyday life from the time they get up in the morning to the time they go to bed, and through the night. They participate in daily living routines and guide the children in establishing and maintaining health promoting and socially desirable habits, regarding personal hygiene, grooming, diet and mealtime behavior, leisure time activities and interaction with peers and adults.

They support and maintain standards of good care, safety and order, and provide a sense of security and well‑being for each youth by assuring protection from being hurt physically or abused emotionally. They are concerned about youth’s health needs and, under medical or nursing supervision, may care for a youth who is ill, give first aid and dispense medication. They encourage and assist youth in formal education by helping with homework and conveying a positive attitude toward learning.

They help youth develop constructive attitudes toward work and pride in their living environment, participate in planning and organizing leisure time activities, and encourage participation in group games and development of skills. They convey empathy and encourage trusting relationships between youth and staff, interpret agency policies and requirements, and consult and share information with other disciplines in planning and evaluation conferences.

• Provides direct supervision and is accountable for the whereabouts of residents.
• Manages person‑supported behavior with the goal of teaching positive, lasting changes.
• Implements daily routines, schedules and procedures.
• Assures the safety of the person‑supported and maintains security.
• Maintains high standards of sanitary conditions throughout the house including cleaning and laundry.
• Participates in planning and execution of educational, recreational, and personal enrichment activities.
• Participates in ongoing meetings, conferences and training as required.
• Interacts and communicates with Rising Ground staff regarding the needs of the persons supported and the program.
• Provides safe transportation for persons supported and accompanies them to appointments (including school, medical appointments, and off‑site family visits).
• Attends mandatory training required by ACS, OCFS and the Agency.
• Adheres to all ACS, OCFS and agency regulations.
• Upholds rules and uses approved restraint techniques and crisis management as necessary.
• Manages the peer group, understands peer dynamics, and promotes a positive peer group culture.
• Supports medical issues, student educational needs, casework, clinical appointments, and monitors residents in Family Court as needed.
• Completes log reports, behavior assessment reports, documentation and incident reporting.
• Informs the Case Planner and supervisors of issues related to youth or families as they become aware of them.
• Ability to work varied hours and days of the week.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High school Diploma or GED required.
• Experience working with youth, especially in a residential setting.
• College preferred.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility
:
No

Work Environment
:
Work locations are at an assigned juvenile justice facility throughout the five boroughs.

Travel (if required):
None – program travel is only during program hours.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
:
This is a 40‑hour nonexempt position. Mandatory overtime is expected based on program needs on various shifts. This is not a work from home position. Staff are paid for 8 hours straight time and eat with residents during meals. Travel (if required):
None – program travel is only during program hours.

Physical Requirements
:
Must be able to perform standard administrative and support tasks including climbing stairs,…