Community-Based Prevention Counselor

OVERVIEW:

The hours for this position are generally Monday - Friday, 10 am - 6 pm. This is a full-time, 35 hours per week, 12-month position. Counselors must occasionally work outside their regular hours to meet the needs of the youth served. The pay range is $19-$21.

The Community-Based Counselor is responsible for providing ongoing individual and family counseling to youth/families seeking Center services. The Community-Based Counselor will complete the comprehensive assessment begun by the triage/intake counselor. This assessment includes identifying issues related to substance use/abuse, problem gambling, and other risk factors inhibiting healthy youth development. An Individualized Service Plan is developed and implemented based on the assessment and goals identified by the youth, including appropriate prevention activities. Community Counselors then provide short-term counseling and activities that focus on resolving identified problems and/or assessing and improving the level of youth and family risk and protective factors predictive of substance abuse and/or problem gambling. The average caseload of a Community-Based Counselor is 15/20 cases.

Community-Based Counselors also provide crisis intervention, family counseling, and information and referral services as needed. This position will deliver Prevention Counseling services throughout the various Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs at The Center for Youth and other community partner programs.

The Community-Based Counselor will be asked to assist with Intake/Triage responsibilities and to handle crisis phone calls as needed. They are also responsible for providing community outreach and networking with other agencies/providers to coordinate client services. The Community-Based Counselors are part of a larger team of Counselors trained in youth and family group facilitation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND EXAMPLE OF DUTIES (*Notes essential duties):

Assessment and Intake*

Individual and Family Counseling*

Assessment of substance use/abuse, problem gambling and other risk factors*

Crisis Intervention*

Referral Readiness and Referral*

Provide chemical dependency and gambling prevention counseling, groups, and activities that foster skill development and/or facilitate appropriate treatment referrals at The Center and outside agencies*

Youth Advocacy*

Parent Group Facilitation (research/science based curricula)*

Maintenance of Client Confidentiality, consistent with agency policies*

Neighborhood and Community Outreach*

Accurate, Timely Case and Program Record Keeping*

Individual and Group Supervision Participation *

Staff Meetings and Training Participation*

Transportation of Clients, when required and consistent with agency policies*

Participation in Community Committees, Coalitions, Task Forces, etc. as assigned

Other duties, as assigned

EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES:

Candidate must:

Posses knowledge of and experience in providing chemical dependency and problem gambling prevention counseling

Adhere to ethical conduct

Demonstrate professionalism i.e., timely, dependable, responsible, flexible

Be non-judgmental and respectful

Model principles of inclusion and tolerance

Be youth-centered and positive

Be family-friendly

Establish effective working relationships with supervisor and co-workers

Develop positive relationships with all key stakeholders

Have strong literacy skills (i.e., reading, writing, comprehension)

Have excellent communication skills (verbal and written)

Conduct research and apply best practices and evaluation methods

Effectively promote knowledge and skill development and positive behaviors

Provide leadership and/or work independently as requested

Candidate must possess significant knowledge of -

Adolescent development including positive youth development, asset development, risk reduction, and protective factors

Youth-serving systems

Community resources

Client advocacy

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY:

The Center delivers services to youth and families from many racial, ethnic, cultural, social and life style groups. We value differences in people and strive to understand diverse cultures, ethnic origins, sexual orientations, abilities and beliefs. To this end, all staff are required to attend professional development trainings and to continually enhance their understanding of cultural diversity.

Staff are expected to respect and honor cultural and human diversity. The annual Performance Appraisal provides an opportunity for staff to evaluate how they are integrating culturally competent practices into their everyday work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in human services, education, or a related field; and 2 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, employment, and life experience.

Note: A Master's Degree, CPP/ICPS/CASAC, advanced training in chemical dependency prevention- related areas is preferred.

In addition to the above, candidates must meet the following criteria before hire:

Authorization for the agency to obtain driving record information

A valid driver's license and regular access to a motor vehicle

Automobile insurance at the level of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident Bodily Injury and $50,000 Property Damage

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must be able to be autonomously mobile to provide the required services.

COMPUTER SKILLS RECOMMENDED:

Microsoft Office- Advanced

Internet Explorer- Advanced

The Center for Youth provides equal opportunities for employment.