Youth Counselor - Casper Recreation Center

Assigned to: Casper Recreation Center

We are seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate Youth Counselor for the summer season at our recreation center.

1. Identifies, coordinates, implements, and monitors youth mental health programs in a recreational setting that address the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) while promoting Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs).

2. Provides group interventions and RETEACH methods throughout the summer, helping children navigate challenges related to ACEs while reinforcing coping strategies learned in school.

3. Develops and conducts training for staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, respond to, and support children facing mental health challenges.

4. Collaborates with the Recreation Supervisor to address child behavioral issues and support the adjudication process, while also working directly with parents to ensure consistent support for children throughout the summer.

5. Implements program policies and procedures by modifying work practices and informing staff on changes in policies and procedures.

6. Keeps current trends and innovations with youth counseling and mental health programs.

7. Communicates with the public regarding fees, policies, rules, and general information about programs or the recreation facility.

8. Represents the City of Casper by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor.

9. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge (position requirements at entry):
Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of counseling.
• Group dynamics and behavior management techniques.
• Physical, emotional, and social development in children.
• Effective communication and organizational tools, modes, and methods.
• Counseling techniques.
• Common mental health issues affecting youth.
• Problem solving techniques.
• Project management.
• Research and report preparation methods and techniques.
• Customer service principles.
• Modern office procedures, methods and use of technological equipment including database management and use of software applications.
• Routinely demonstrate the City of Casper core values.
• Lead and train staff.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work a variety of shifts including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Comply with funding performance standards and objectives.
• Function as an effective member of the childcare team.
• Interpret and explain Recreation Center policies and procedures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient mental health programs.
• Assess emotional and physical needs of youth.
• Operate modern office equipment, software, and operating systems/applications.
• Interpret, follow, explain, and apply Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Follow all City safety rules and procedures and immediately report all accidents/incidents or unsafe conditions to a supervisor.

Skills (position requirements at entry):
Skill in:

• Preparing and presenting information to employee groups.
• Developing and implementing special projects and programs.
• Coordinating programs and/or events.
• Evaluating program effectiveness.
• Preparing and maintaining records and reports.
• Providing customer service.
• Active listening.
• Maintaining a calm, consistent demeanor.
• Public speaking.
• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Managing and addressing challenging behaviors in youth.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Conflict resolution.
• Organization.
• Compiling, analyzing, and summarizing information.
• Using computers and related software applications.
• Oral and written communication sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive work direction.
• Working enthusiastically with children.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in mental health counseling or therapy, particularly in a school or recreational setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed below.
• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a closely related field required.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid Wyoming driver’s license preferred.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certification.
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Wyoming.

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Employment with the City of Casper is contingent upon a successful background screen and pre-employment drug test. Applicants who have failed a pre-employment screen or have been terminated from the City of Casper are ineligible for employment consideration for 12 months. You will become eligible for consideration 12 months from the date of your incident (pre-employment screen or termination).

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate must utilize direct deposit for payroll purposes.

Driving records are required for all new employees regardless of the position's driving requirements. If the employee has not held a Wyoming driver's license for the last three years, the employee must provide at their own initiation and expense a driving record from their previous state(s) of residence.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
City of Casper employees in data creation and modification, security sensitive or safety and protective positions are subject to pre-employment drug testing. Some employees may be subject to random drug testing if their responsibilities include:

• Emergency response/rescue
• Handling or working with hazardous materials, including chemicals as well as solid and liquid waste
• Operating or maintaining water and wastewater systems
• Writing or modifying code, maintaining, or modifying City data systems including work on networks, servers, and communication systems
• CDL operations and driving
• Operating power-driven machinery or equipment
• Creating or modifying health, financial, security and risk documents or assessments
• Working with or directing minors

Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up-to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.