Youth Counselor/Youth Specialist

Overview

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront

of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and

opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping

children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in

the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations

throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows

not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff

that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in downtown Brooklyn.

Job Summary : To ensure all daily living needs and essential treatment services are provided to

youth. This involves the implementation of following and adhering to all program scheduling,

policies and procedures and staff utilizing Therapeutic Crisis Interventions (TCI) in all programs

components and interactions.

Job Responsibilities :

Maintain shift coverage and primary supervision and support of residential clients.

Set and contribute to a safe, dignified, orderly atmosphere by enforcing program rules,

policies, and procedures.

Respond appropriately to emergencies including contacting appropriate staff and

supervisors, interacting with police, fire, and medical personnel as needed.

• Perform daily maintenance duties including, but not limited to;

Cleaning and maintaining communal areas (hallways, kitchen, lounge, main office,

computer room, staff bathrooms) Preparing / serving resident meals as needed.

Maintain thorough and accurate records, files, correspondence, and statistics; Complete

necessary documentation (both hand-written and computer based / data entry) in a timely,

accurate, complete, and legible manner.

May include notations in the shelter log, bed roster, incident reports, late arrivals, sign-in

sheets, showers and laundry schedules, and any other forms used or directed by a supervisor.

Reviewing program agreements and rules, providing a building tour, providing

information about local resources (provided in each program’s resource

Conduct regular rounds of the facility. Rounds include inspecting client living quarters,

bathrooms, common rooms, building entrances and exits.

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and staff; Respond to client

requests; Observe and adhere to client confidentiality standards.

Participate in staff and shift change meetings as required.

timely and accurate messages. Front desk duties also include :

limiting access to facility to clients, staff, and authorized visitors and service providers.

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree preferred. Computer skills, written and oral skills are required. Bi-lingual

preferred.

Supervisory Responsibility

Work Environment :

This position is based at one of our Transitional Independent Living (TIL) Facilities; Residential

programs for Runaway / Homeless youth between the ages 16-20 or our Homeless Young Adults

HYA); A Residential Program for Homeless young males between the ages 21-24 (HYA).

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work :

This position is in a 24 / 7 program. Additionally, evening and weekend hours will be required.

Available shifts are based on program need :

Shift Hours : 2 Morning shifts 7am-3pm, 2 Evening shifts 3pm-11pm, 2 Overnight Awake

Shifts 11am- 7am

Travel (if required) :

Occasionally

Physical Requirements :

Must be able to pass Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), including the physical portion.

Other Duties :

Act as a role model - guiding clients and facilitating appropriate behavior about daily living

skills, self-care, personal interaction, social relationships, and constructive time management.

Maintain and promote a cooperative, harmonious, teamwork environment, interacting with

clients and staff in a professional and courteous manner.

responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at

any time with or without notice.