Residential Youth Specialist

$2500 SIGN ON BONUS FOR FULL TIME RESIDENTIAL YOUTH SPECIALISTS

Position Title: Residential Counselor

Reports To: Program Director

Supervises Others: No

Classification: Non-Exempt

General Description

The Residential Counselor supports the Mission and Values of Boys Hope Girls Hope. The Residential Counselor is responsible for directing the operations of the home to create a family atmosphere that supports the development of the full child. The Residential Counselor is part of a team of professionals and volunteers. They perform their duties relatively free from direct supervision, acting at all times in a professional manner.

Major Areas of Responsibilities

Child Development and Health

Know and follow Boys Hope Girls Hope program policies and procedures regarding the care and development of scholars

Assume responsibility for scholars in residence, including daily decisions regarding health, safety, and discipline

Responsible for physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and academic development of scholars living in home in accordance with individual scholar service plans and Boys Hope Girls Hope program policies

Schedule and plan ahead for doctor or other appointments and complete all required documentation for scholar and house files

With direction of Program Director, identify program therapists and communicate with therapist on scholar goals of therapy and progress.

Develop and maintain parent and/or guardian relationships and involvement in their child’s life and the program.

Implement program to teach transitional living skills

Academics

Monitors academic performance of scholars to identify areas of concern requiring additional support.

Maintains regular contact with teachers and schools, including representation of program at teacher conferences and related activities

Provides individual assistance and tutoring as needed.

Coordinates and implements college preparation for scholars.

Household Management

Assure that home functions in accordance with Boys Hope Girls Hope program and local licensing standards

Maintain the home in a clean and safe condition, providing for nutritional and physical needs of scholars

Ensure that scheduled and necessary maintenance occurs on all program property and vehicles.

Administrative and Record Keeping

Maintain scholar and program files in accordance with licensing and Boys Hope Girls Hope standards

Manage house budget, including tracking and documenting all expenses

Schedule, facilitate, prepare and update scholar quarterly service plans for approval by Program Director

Community Relations

Maintain, and role model for scholars, positive relations with neighbors, community groups, schools and authorities.

Critical Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have one of the following:
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education or a related field and the equivalent of one-year full-time work with a similar population
• Bachelor’s degree in any field and one year experience working in a Boys Hope Girls Hope home
• Have completed at least one year as an intern in a Boys Hope Girls Hope home
• A High School Diploma (some college preferred) and at least two years full-time experience working with this population, one year of which must be in a Boys Hope Girls Hope home.
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record

Certification in CPR, first aid and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention will also be required as a condition of continued employment. State licensing agencies may have additional requirements.

The position requires the following competencies for success:

• Able to communicate clearly and effectively with adolescents, their guardians or parents, co-workers and supervisors, teachers and other audiences verbally and in writing
• Able to communicate in high stress or emotional situations, especially to convey information and directions
• Creative in presenting material and motivating scholars to pursue their education
• Be able to assist scholars in developing study and problem solving skills
• Demonstrate curiosity and a life-long passion for learning
• Professional work habits and dress
• The ability to develop appropriate relationships with different populations, including scholars and their families
• Sensitivity to different religious backgrounds, and cultures
• Able to manage several projects and activities at the same time
• Ability to use a computer for simple word processing and internet applications like e-mail
• Manage a petty cash account, including reconciling monthly balance with bank statement
• Knowledge or record keeping and professional documentation standards

The position requires the ability to perform household tasks like shopping, cooking, cleaning and minor property care that may require bending, lifting and carrying. The position requires the ability to closely monitor the whereabouts and activities of several pre-adolescent and adolescent children in a multi-story home, as well as the ability to safely transport children in program vehicles. It may also require engaging in athletic, recreational and/or camping activities with the scholars.

Working Conditions

This position is focused primarily upon serving the scholars of the program through advancing the mission of the organization. The position may require living in the home in support of the goal of creating a family-like atmosphere, and the development of positive, committed relationships. The position requires annual participation in continuing education, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training, satisfied through in-house programs offered by Boys Hope Girls Hope or third party providers. The position will have at least an annual performance evaluation. While working within a home team schedule, staff will be required to be flexible with regard to the 24 hour, seven day a week needs of the Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Night shift
• Overnight shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person