Youth Counselor - Bilingual Preferred

The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie has been caring for children throughout the Hudson Valley for over 175 years! We strive to empower children and families to achieve optimal health and well being. We are currently seeking  Youth Counselors (Bilingual Preferred) to work in our Unaccompanied Children (UC) Program. Duties include but are not limited to, general child-caring responsibilities for daily living in the UC Program, including recreation, light housekeeping, personal care, meal time, community and school activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide trauma-responsive care that aligns with Agency trainings and is sensitive to and supportive of the children’s cultural and ethnic heritage and values.
2. Teach, assist, and supervise youth in the activities of daily living such as personal care, accultrations, life skills, and general recreation.
3. Assist teachers with school activities, vocational trainings, and assist minors with completion of homework.   
4. Performs light housekeeping duties.  
5. Transport youth to medical appointments, court hearings, recreational activities, and any other trips for unification. 
6. Assist youth in developing appropriate behavioral and pro-social skills such as maintaining positive peer and adult relationships.
7. Establishes a positive attitude and is an appropriate adult role model with pro-social values that support the goals and mission of the Agency.
8. Attend all mandatory training as scheduled, including but not limited to New Hire Orientation, Sanctuary, TCI certifications, CPR/First Aid certifications. Must complete 40 hours annually of O.R.R (Office of Refugee Resettlement) trainings.  
9. Complete thorough and accurate documentation within required timeframes. 
10. Fulfill Mandated Reporter responsibilities according to NYS Justice Center and OCFS regulations. 
11. Is familiar with and adheres to all agency policies and procedures as outlined in the Child Care Manual, Employee Handbook and Risk Management Manual. 
12. Actively participate in the Quality Assurance and Improvement process by reviewing weekly, monthly and quarterly reports for all improvement opportunities. 
13. Must have an annual physical and PPD to remain in compliance with regulations.
14. Complete any additional duties assigned by the supervisor.

SCHEDULES AVAILABLE:

First Shift: 7am - 5pm

Second Shift : 12pm - 10pm 

The Children's Home offers an outstanding benefit package which includes medical, vision, dental, life insurance, 403(b), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and a great work environment! Paid time off includes 4 weeks of vacation, 3 personal days, 12 holidays and 9 sick days annually.

Essential: (Required)

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• At least 1 year of child welfare experience
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Capable of vigorous physical activity, active participation in recreation, and the physical crisis intervention program of the agency at all times.
• Capable, at all times, of evacuating the children in an emergency via all primary and secondary exits.
• Positive, friendly attitude toward children.
• Valid New York State Driver's License with good driving record as determined by the Agency.

Preferred: 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish - Strongly Preferred for UC Programs

*The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

*The Children's Home participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the form I-9.