Youth and Family Support Counselor

Youth And Family Support Counselor

Are you passionate about supporting youth and families during critical moments? Youth Outreach Services (YOS) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Youth & Family Support Counselor to support youth ages 11–17 and their families during times of crisis. This role focuses on stabilizing youth within their homes and preventing involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems.

The Youth & Family Support Counselor works within the CCBYS program, providing crisis intervention, home-based counseling, and stabilization services. This role involves direct collaboration with families, community partners, and law enforcement when needed, ensuring youth receive immediate and ongoing support in high-risk situations.

Rotating schedule based on program needs

• 2–3 on-call shifts per week (including weekends, day and night shifts)
• In-person response required (within approximately 1 hour)
• After successful completion of the probationary period, partial remote work may be available for documentation

Respond to crisis situations in collaboration with police departments and community partners

Provide intensive, home-based counseling and stabilization services

Support youth and families in managing conflict and improving family functioning

Conduct assessments and develop individualized service plans

Connect families to appropriate internal and external resources

Provide services for up to 90 days per case

Maintain accurate documentation and case records

Participate in weekly team meetings and case consultations

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field required

Strong willingness to learn and work with dedication and consistency

Experience with youth or families preferred (not required)

Ability to handle high-stress and crisis situations effectively

Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills

Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

Valid driver's license required

Reliable daily access to a personal vehicle strongly preferred (candidates without a vehicle may still be considered if willing to obtain one)

Must reside within the city of Chicago

Eager to learn and grow within a mission-driven organization

Strong interest in working with at-risk youth and families

Background in social services, criminal justice, or structured environments

Comfortable working with diverse populations and multiple stakeholders

Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented in crisis situations

Gain hands-on experience:
Ideal for individuals building their careers in social services, with exposure to crisis intervention, case management, and community-based support

Make a meaningful impact:
Support youth and families during critical moments and help prevent involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems

Independent & collaborative work:
Balance autonomy in the field with strong team support and cross-functional collaboration

Engaging work environment:
Be part of a mission-driven organization with a supportive culture and team-based approach

Comprehensive benefits package:
Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Short/Long-Term Disability

403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Generous paid time off (PTO)

Eligibility for one remote workday per week after a 90-day probation period

Mileage reimbursement

Please apply through our website by submitting your resume. Candidates will receive a brief questionnaire as part of the next step in the process.

Youth Outreach Services is a drug-free workplace. Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and continued employment.

Youth Outreach Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.