Youth Counselor III

Position Summary

The Therapeutic Youth Counselor III (TYC III, Youth Counselor Team Lead) is the senior position in the TYC series responsible for providing support and oversight of junior youth counselor staff as well as therapeutic interventions, care and supervision of youth residing in a Short‑Term Residential Treatment Program (STRTP). The TYC III engages youth in daily routines that include school, therapeutic activities and interventions within a safe and trauma‑responsive environment.

• Inform and support the implementation of future‑focused, strength‑based, trauma‑responsive treatment, transition and discharge plans and interventions.
• Implement the daily cottage/group home schedule, adhering to routines and honoring each youth’s individual rituals, spiritual and cultural customs.
• Serve as the senior experienced youth counselor and may act in a temporary capacity as administrator in the absence of the Core Program Supervisor or Manager.
• Stage appropriate therapeutic activities, including transportation.
• Ensure a clean, safe and welcoming cottage/group home environment through daily checks, monitoring supplies and submitting orders as needed.
• Support compliant distribution of self‑administered medication and conduct periodic reviews of medication documentation.
• Model, coach and mentor junior youth counselors while completing written documentation and contact notes to program and funder standards.
• Apply, model, coach and mentor staff with Aspiranet’s core practice models including the Core Practice Model, ARC, Youth Thrive/Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework, CRM, Life Space Coaching, LSCI, Pro Act and MI.
• Support the agency in sustaining a youth‑centric focus by assisting youth in voicing their perspectives throughout treatment.
• Develop engaging and supportive relationships with youth, families, referral parties and community providers.
• Monitor intervention success and barriers, report incidents and program concerns to the team lead.
• Lead crisis intervention support in compliance with agency and regulatory requirements, coach staff in documentation, and debrief post‑crisis planning and remediation.
• Influence the development and implementation of strength‑based, trauma‑informed plans and interventions and advocate for youths’ best interests.

• A BS or BA degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or a related field AND three (3) full‑time equivalent years of experience in a behavioral health related field.
• Preferred qualifications (may be eligible for a salary premium):
  • Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist (MHRS) qualifications which include a BS or equivalent degree in Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work and four (4) full‑time years of experience in a behavioral health related field.
  • Substitution patterns for education and experience are allowed as follows:
    • Up to two (2) years of graduate professional education may be substituted for the experience requirement on a year‑for‑year basis.
    • Up to two (2) years of post‑associate arts clinical experience may be substituted or added to the required educational experience in addition to the four years’ experience in a mental health setting.
• Prior experience in a residential setting or as a youth counselor/TYC II is desired.
• Willingness and ability to lead, coach and train staff.
• Proficiency using a computer and Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Must meet all state required conditions of employment as set forth by Community Care Licensing and DHCS for a licensed community care facility, e.g., Fingerprint and Child Abuse Index Clearance, TB/health physical, and a valid California driver’s license with a clean driving record.

• Growth potential
• 14 paid holidays (including birthday and diversity holidays)
• 10 vacation days + 10 sick days in the first year
• 100% employer‑paid medical and dental premiums
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Medical and dependent care FSA plans
• Life, AD&D and disability insurance
• Accident, critical illness and hospital gap plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – 24/7 confidential support
• Training and advancement opportunities
• Commuter program and mileage…