What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Counselor position at Northwest Passage?
Youth Counselor (Youth Development Specialist) - Full Time
About Us:
At Northwest Passage, we focus on mental health and wellness through the adoption of our PassageWay Elements: Nature, Recreation, Relaxation, Nutrition, Exercise, Relationships, Service, and Spirit. These elements are central to our approach, combining traditional mental health treatment with arts, education, nature-based therapy, and experiential opportunities. Since 1978, we've been dedicated to providing high-quality care in a community dedicated in hope, recovery, and wellness. Our facilities in Northwest Wisconsin offer a peaceful environment for our clients and staff, with easy access to activities and resources near Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Eau Claire.
Northwest Passage proudly serves youth from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and we are committed to providing an environment where all youth feel welcomed and supported. Northwest Passage looks to build our team with candidates who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to all of our clients, demonstrating resilience, determination, collaboration, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. At Northwest Passage, you will foster hope through your involvement in the healing process. Guided by the PassageWay Elements, we strive to create a positive environment for growth and wellness for both our clients and staff.
Position Description:
The Youth Development Specialist position represents one of the central relationships for clients in the constellation of therapeutic activities and life at Northwest Passage.
Hours are Monday-Friday 2:30pm-10:30pm.
Responsibilities:
About Us:
At Northwest Passage, we focus on mental health and wellness through the adoption of our PassageWay Elements: Nature, Recreation, Relaxation, Nutrition, Exercise, Relationships, Service, and Spirit. These elements are central to our approach, combining traditional mental health treatment with arts, education, nature-based therapy, and experiential opportunities. Since 1978, we've been dedicated to providing high-quality care in a community dedicated in hope, recovery, and wellness. Our facilities in Northwest Wisconsin offer a peaceful environment for our clients and staff, with easy access to activities and resources near Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Eau Claire.
Northwest Passage proudly serves youth from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and we are committed to providing an environment where all youth feel welcomed and supported. Northwest Passage looks to build our team with candidates who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to all of our clients, demonstrating resilience, determination, collaboration, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. At Northwest Passage, you will foster hope through your involvement in the healing process. Guided by the PassageWay Elements, we strive to create a positive environment for growth and wellness for both our clients and staff.
Position Description:
The Youth Development Specialist position represents one of the central relationships for clients in the constellation of therapeutic activities and life at Northwest Passage.
Hours are Monday-Friday 2:30pm-10:30pm.
Responsibilities:
- Create and maintain a structured and safe living environment for youth as they participate in assessment/treatment.
- Develop, coordinate, and execute programming initiatives.
- Provide a nurturing environment with close, intensive supervision for high risk youth in accordance with least restrictive treatment measures.
- Assure residents’ basic needs are met including meals, exercise, hygiene, and sleep.
- Assure residents’ emotional needs are met in accordance with the individual treatment or assessment plan.
- Recognize and adjust communication to meet residents’ needs. Provide feedback that is clear, specific, timely, and respectful.
- Work with residents to provide solutions for problematic behaviors.
- Document program activities, residents’ behaviors and program participation, and significant incidents involving residents.
- Attend all staff meetings, trainings, and educational classes as required.
- Maintain a clean and safe environment.
- Understand and follow agency policies.
- Maintain an understanding of mental health concepts, psychotropic medications, and client symptomology.
- Advocate for appropriate goals, wants, and needs of residents.
Qualifications:
- Associate or Bachelor’s Degree or courses in social or behavioral science fields (e.g. psychology, social work, sociology, education) and/or relevant experience in a related field
- Communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients, staff, and others
- Strong problem-solving and observation skills
- A desire to gain meaningful, practical, and professional experience in the mental health field
- Must be able to work Monday-Friday, 2:30pm-10:30pm
Values:
In addition to responsibilities and qualifications, ideal candidates will show an understanding of and an ongoing dedication to actively applying Northwest Passage’s values, which are embedded into each role:
- Quality & Adaptability
- Respect & Compassion
- Leadership & Courage
- Connection & Well-being
Benefits of the Position:
- $21.00-$28.00/hour wage
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Retirement Savings
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (mental health benefit)
- Longevity Benefit
- Voluntary Group Ancillary Offerings (Life and AD&D, Long-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance)
- Free On-duty Meals
- Relocation Assistance
- Off-site Housing ($475/month rent), dependent on availability
- Northwest Passage is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program for student loan forgiveness
- Unmatched real-world experience in the fields of mental health, experiential programming, and nature-based programming
Location:
Frederic, WI
Northwest Passage is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Salary : $21 - $28
