Youth Diversion Counselor

POSITION: Youth Diversion Counselor

DEPARTMENT: Education Department

REPORTS TO: Education Director

HOURLY RANGE: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour (DOE)

JOB SUMMARY:

The Youth Diversion Counselor will provide Tribal Youth with behavioral and social counseling. This position will serve as a guide/mentor and offer peer counseling/big brother/sister support that is ongoing and trusted within the community. This position will advocate for and promote the health and well-being of Tribal Youth regarding issues revolving around the prevention, intervention and/or treatment of major depressive disorder, suicide risk, alcohol, drugs and tobacco prevention, truancy prevention. This position will also support the youth in providing the necessary tools to gear children toward healthy and productive careers and be an active part of individual academic progress.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list, but rather to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may or may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

1. Assist in the creation of an Education Plan for each youth in the program.

2. Initial screening and intake of at risk youth for the diversion program.

3. Meet with parents as needed to assess issues in the home and to encourage the progress of the youth.

4. Work directly with the Tribal Health Department and assist with case management.

5. Educate youth in developing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills utilizing approved resources and program development tools.

6. Educate youth on signs and symptoms of major depressive disorders and/or suicide risk and prevention. Provide community-wide resource information regarding available assistance in obtaining help to address major depressive disorders and suicide prevention.

7. Educate youth on the health risks on the use of alcohol and tobacco products. Provide community-wide resource information for youth who need assistance in addressing a problem with alcohol or tobacco use.

8. Assist youth in exploring opportunities in work-based exploration and community service activities such as site visits, job shadowing, job fairs and internships.

9. Mentor youth on completing daily living skills including: caring for personal health, managing money, taking care of personal needs, preparing food, caring for clothing, shopping, maintaining a living space, and time management

10. Coordinate youth activities that encourage group participation as well as collaboration and positive communication with other individuals and groups.

11. Knowledge and ability to provide training for various culturally relevant activities, crafts and projects.

12. Coordinate, manage and implement a Mock Interview Program that would give youth the skills necessary to participate in working interviews utilizing approved program material that incorporates: gaining valuable experience in how to be successful and confident during an interview, learning the interview process by preparing actual experience and skills towards the position, receiving feedback on improving interviewing skills.

13. Refer youth to other services and provide transportation per the behavioral health/transportation policies and procedures as needed.

14. Provide individual and group drug and alcohol treatment.

15. Able to work after school hours, take calls from youth when needed, and able to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

16. Be a positive role model at all times.

17. Maintains professional behavior with positive representation of Coyote Valley while on and off the clock.

18. Other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associates Degree in Behavioral Sciences or vocational certificate (High School Diploma or GED required).
• Valid California Driver’s License and insurable.
• CPR Certified or be able to obtain with the first 90 days of employment.
• Certification as a substance abuse counselor through IACC, CAADAC, CAARR or CAADE. Or ability to obtain within the first 90 days of employment.
• Certified in youth mental health counseling, or ability to obtain within the first 90 days of employment.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Two years of experience in AOD field as a certified Substance Abuse Counselor preferred
• Willing and able to obtain training on information related to alcohol, drug and domestic abuse and other related issues.
• Applicable Certification(s) revolving around Native youth and the prevention, intervention and/or treatment of alcohol, drugs and other related disorders is preferred.
• Able to deal with crisis in an appropriate manner.
• Able to demonstrate effective and diplomatic client service and communication skills, which includes contact with staff, tribal youth and parents/guardians, and other agencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs.
• The ability to work independently.

Language Skills

• ·Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and orally.

Reasoning Ability

• Must have the ability to deal effectively and interact well with the customers and employees.
• Must have the ability to resolve problems/conflicts in a diplomatic and tactful manner.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The employee is also regularly required to stand, walk, sit, lift and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an Employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Must be able to work in an intense environment where a high degree of concentration is necessary to perform the required job duties.

Other

• Must pass pre-employment drug testing (for illegal drugs) and, if applicable, a criminal background investigation.
• Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified member of the Coyote Valley of Pomo Indian Tribe or qualified Native American candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 2, U. S Code Section 472 and 473) and the Indian Self Determination Act (Public Law 93-638). The Coyote Valley Tribal Police Department is an equal opportunity employer. The Coyote Valley Tribal Office is also committed to achieving full equal opportunity without discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical disability, age or sexual orientation. All information shown as representations of current conditions is subject to change. No guarantees are expressed or implied. The Coyote Valley Tribal Operations are an “at will” employer.
• Must be sensitive to the needs of the Indian community, their culture and traditions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $26