Youth Care Counselor (STRTP)

We invite you to join the Optimist team and help make a difference in the lives of children​ and families, in particular those ​involved in the child welfare system. You ​would be part of a dynamic and mission-driven organization with a ​proven track record of providing life-changing services to at-risk youth and their families.

Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services was founded in 1906, and today we ​continue to help at-risk youth ​through a full continuum of care by supporting children across settings and over time. Our broad range of programs includes residential ​care, mental health counseling, homelessness prevention, and education and career ​pathways. Our services are deeply rooted in equity and leveling the playing field so high-risk youth have the best chance to succeed and ​achieve bright futures.

​Importantly, our values of quality, integrity, respect, advocacy, and diversity ​guide all of our work. Learn more about our mission ​and accomplishments on our website at www.oyhfs.org.

We offer a competitive benefits package:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Care Plan
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays (11)
• Paid Vacation Time
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (up to 4%)
• Educational Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Bonus Program

In accordance with CA law, the expected pay range for this CA position is posted with this position. The actual compensation may be determined based on bona fide factors such as education, experience, and other factors permitted by law.

Salary range for this position: $ 20.50 - 28.38 / hour

Hiring Range for this position: $ 20.50 - $ 20.50 / hour

*PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION BY APPLYING ON OUR WEBSITE @ www.oyhfs.org.*

OVERALL FUNCTION:

The Youth Care Counselor (YCC) and TSC Worker provide for the supervision, care and protection of all residents. As a member of the Residential Program’s treatment team, the YCC is an important agent in setting the tone, direction, and priorities of the residents’ treatment plans. The YCC helps develop an atmosphere within the Residential Program where residents can learn to make appropriate choices, improve their judgment and increase the probability of meeting their treatment goals. A large part of the YCC’s role involves the basic activities which most directly affect residents; their physical and emotional needs; social demands; training and limit setting.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Daily care, protection and supervision of residents.
• Implements discipline and limits within the treatment setting.
• Provides role modeling, understanding, guidance and example in order to promote in the residents a better understanding of himself/herself and the society in which he/she lives.
• Provided for the residents' emotional and physical well-being.
• Familiarizes self with the principles of behavioral dynamics and group therapy, and to assist residents in handling their problems and working effectively with a group.
• Charts the daily progress and maintains log notations and communications with social worker.
• Drives residents in agency vehicles as requested. As a driver, you must be certified in CPR & First Aid and be able to administer both CPR and First Aid when necessary.
• Logs all incidents.
• Attends and participates in mandatory training and in-services as required.
• Maintains resident records, incident logs and medical log entries.
• Administers and supervises cottage rules and discipline on a consistent level.
• Supervises group outings for shopping, medical appointments or recreation.
• Assists in the planning and implement recreational programs.
• Participates in and leads group meetings.
• Attends all staff meetings.
• Reports all special incidents.
• Follows directions and assignments by supervisor as needed.
• Drives residents in agency vehicles as needed.
• Provides tutoring and schooling needs for residents as requested.
• Ability to verbally communicate well with others.
• Other duties as assigned.

*PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION BY APPLYING ON OUR WEBSITE @ www.oyhfs.org.*

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• B.A./B.S. degree required and equivalent related experience.
• An educational background that will make it possible to earn the children’s respect and to exemplify the values of education.
• Personal characteristics to be able to work effectively with the children in placement as well as adequate knowledge, skills and experience.
• Ability to be comfortable with the adolescents and be responsive to their needs.
• Ability to accept the children’s parents regardless of their difference in values and standards of conduct.
• Possesses the moral integrity, sense of values and a social commitment of the highest standards as required of all staff dealing with adolescents.
• Able to handle crises.
• All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and adolescents who are served by our agencies. Therefore, each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, adolescents and adults who may have mental or behavioral health problems. The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions as well as appropriate role modeling. Hostility, aggression, and unnecessary or inappropriate physical and/or emotional expression are not acceptable.
• Valid California driver’s license; current automobile insurance; have and maintain a clean driving record acceptable to the organization’s insurance company.
• Must be able to be pass a fingerprint background investigation.
• Must be able to pass a TB test, Physical Exam, and Drug Screening.
• Must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

*PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION BY APPLYING ON OUR WEBSITE @ www.oyhfs.org.*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you 21 years or older?
• If extended a job offer, are you willing to submit to a detailed background check and drug screen?
• You MUST apply directly on our website at www.oyhfs.org in order to complete your application.

Ability to Commute:

• Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $28