YOUTH COUNSELORS I-III

State of New Hampshire Job Posting

Department of Health and Human Services

Division for Children, Youth, & Families

Sununu Youth Services Center- Manchester, NH

YOUTH COUNSELOR I-III

Multiple positions-Full Time- All Shifts

Youth Counselor I -III $19.96-$34.14 Hourly USD

Plus, Direct Care Pay & shift differential when applicable

Direct Care $.133/hr,2nd shift: $1.20/hr. and rotating, $1.50/hr. 3rd Shift Differential, & Weekend $2.00/hr.

**This position offers a Trainee Status at a pay rate of $19.23 per hour; candidate must meet the minimum qualifications Youth Counselor I level within one (1) year of hire date**

• The certification level identified by the DHHS Human Resource Office is based upon the minimum qualifications. Upon consideration of the applicants relevant work experience, interview, and the Supplemental Job Description, the DCYF hiring manager will determine the level a candidate will be hired at.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS : Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education. Please see Minimum Qualifications for specifics.

• See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth, and Families has a full time vacancy for Youth Counselor I-III.

SUMMARY:

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YOUTH COUNSELOR I
Provides a safe and secure environment for adjudicated or detained juveniles. Coordinates and supervises resident’s daily activities, monitor and assesses behavior to assure continued safety and security. Upholds the vision and mission of the agency through utilizing the Practice Model theories, beliefs and principles in daily practice.

YOUTH COUNSELOR II
Provides a safe and secure environment for adjudicated or detained juveniles. Coordinates and supervises resident’s daily activities, monitors and assesses behavior to assure continued safety and security. Participates as a member of the Treatment Team that develops and implements individual treatment plans for assigned residents and assists Youth Counselor IIIs in providing group and individual counseling to assigned residents. Upholds the vision and mission of the agency through utilizing the Practice Model theories, beliefs and principles in daily practice.

YOUTH COUNSELOR III
Provides a safe and secure environment for adjudicated or detained juveniles. Coordinates and supervises residents’ daily activities, monitors and assesses behavior to assure continued safety and security. Participates as a member of the Treatment Team that develops and implements individual treatment plans and conducts group and individual resident counseling for assigned residents. Supervises subordinate Youth Counselors positions. Upholds the vision and mission of the agency through utilizing the Practice Model theories, beliefs and principles in daily practice.

YOUTH COUNSELOR I
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Associate’s degree or 60 credits from a recognized college or technical institute with a study in sociology, psychology, human services, behavioral science, social work, education, liberal studies, theology, or criminal justice. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Experience: One year experience working in organized group activities such as camp counseling, Boy or Girl Scouting, school or church programs, coaching sports, working with mentally and physically challenged youth and adults in a school, daycare, hospital or correctional/rehabilitative setting or any similarly related experience. Each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

License/Certification: Valid New Hampshire driver’s license required if responsible for transporting residents/students.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must successfully complete the Juvenile Justice Academy within twelve months of employment from date of hire as a Youth Counselor I.
Upon completion of the Juvenile Justice Academy, must attend 40 hours of in service training annually.

For promotion from Youth Counselor I to Youth Counselor II, in addition to the Special Requirements, must meet the following requirements prior to promotion:

• Must have successfully completed the formal mentoring program.

• Must receive a satisfactory performance evaluation and be free of any disciplinary action.

• Must have approval from Assistant House Leader, Treatment Coordinator and Residential/Clinical Administrator.

• Case records must all be complete and up to date as determined by the supervisor at the time of the annual performance evaluation.

YOUTH COUNSELOR II
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or technical institute with a study in sociology, psychology, human services, behavioral science, social work, education, liberal studies, theology, or criminal justice. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Experience: One year experience working in organized group activities such as camp counseling, Boy or Girl Scouting, school or church programs, coaching sports, working with mentally and physically challenged youths and adults in a school, daycare, hospital or correctional/rehabilitative setting or any similarly related experience. Each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
License/Certification: Valid New Hampshire driver's license required if responsible for transporting residents/students.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must successfully complete the Juvenile Justice Academy within twelve months of employment from date of hire as a Youth Counselor II.
Upon completion of the Juvenile Justice Academy, must attend 40 hours of in service training annually.

For promotion from Youth Counselor II to Youth Counselor III, in addition to the Special Requirements, must meet the following requirements prior to promotion:

• Must have successfully completed the formal mentoring program.

• Must receive a satisfactory performance evaluation and be free of any disciplinary action.

• Must have approval from Assistant House Leader, Treatment Coordinator and Residential/Clinical Administrator.

• Case records must all be complete and up to date as determined by the supervisor at the time of the annual performance evaluation.

Case records must all be complete and up to date as determined by the supervisor at the time of the annual performance evaluation.

YOUTH COUNSELOR III
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or technical institute with a study in sociology, psychology, human services, behavioral science, social work, education, liberal studies, theology, or criminal justice. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Experience: Two years’ experience working in organized group activities such as camp counseling, Boy or Girl Scouting, school or church programs, coaching sports, working with mentally and physically challenged youths and adults in a school, daycare, hospital or correctional/rehabilitative setting or any similarly related experience. Each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

License/Certification: Valid New Hampshire driver's license required if responsible for transporting residents/students.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must successfully complete the Juvenile Justice Academy within twelve months of employment from date of hire as a Youth Counselor III.
Upon completion of the Juvenile Justice Academy, must attend 40 hours of in service training annually.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

YOUTH COUNSELOR I:

Performs constant surveillance to ensure a safe and secure environment, free from assaults, escapes, attempted suicides, and other potentially dangerous or fatal situations. Inspects and searches residents and their living area for contraband and ensures protection of resident possessions or evidential material.

Demonstrates the ability to handle potentially volatile situations including suicide attempts, assaults, attempted escapes, etc. Physically subdues aggressive, and at times assaultive, residents within guidelines established by the Agency.

Organizes and supervises daily recreational, motivational and educational activities to encourage growth and development of residents. Monitors and documents residents’ behaviors for symptoms, side effects or any improvements while on psychotropic drugs or other medications.

Pursues escaped/escaping residents (within the physical facility property located at 1056 N River Rd. Manchester, NH) with the intent to apprehend and return them to the Agency.

Communicates in a professional manner, both, verbally and in writing, with various outside agencies/individuals, such as court officials, JSO’s, families, medical and clinical personnel, law enforcement personnel, lawyers and residents. Demonstrates the ability to communicate in alternative methods for residents who may be cognitively impaired or have learning disabilities.

Acts as a positive role model for residents to help facilitate maturity and growth. Orients new residents to the program to ensure that they understand the expectations of their unit’s program.

Supervises residents during off-site appointments.

Must perform accountabilities in accordance with established safety policies and procedures.

Communicates with supervisors regarding issues related to workplace safety.

Operates and monitors surveillance and access control equipment in the Control Center and Operations Center of the architecturally secure facilities operated by the agency.

May be directed to participate as a member of a crisis response team within the facility.

YOUTH COUNSELOR II
Performs constant surveillance to ensure a safe and secure environment, free from assaults, escapes, attempted suicides, and other potentially dangerous or fatal situations. Inspects and searches residents and their living area for contraband and ensures protection of resident possessions or evidential material.

Demonstrates the ability to handle potentially volatile situations including suicide attempts, assaults, attempted escapes, etc. Physically subdues aggressive, and at times assaultive, residents within guidelines established by the Agency.

Organizes and supervises daily recreational, motivational and educational activities to encourage growth and development of residents. Monitors and documents residents’ behaviors for symptoms, side effects or any improvements while on psychotropic drugs or other medications.

Participates in the development and implementation of specific treatment plans geared toward residents’ individual needs. Under the supervision of a Youth Counselor III, conducts individual counseling and family sessions to achieve specific short and long-term objectives with a goal of rehabilitation and successful return to the community.

Pursues escaped/escaping residents (within the physical facility property located at 1056 N River Rd. Manchester, NH) with the intent to apprehend and return them to the Agency.

Communicates in a professional manner, both, verbally and in writing, with various outside agencies/individuals, such as court officials, JSO’s, families, medical and clinical personnel, law enforcement personnel, lawyers and residents. Demonstrates the ability to communicate in alternative methods for residents who may be cognitively impaired or have learning disabilities.

Develops and maintains case records which include treatment plans, Program Plan Reviews (PPR), parole reports, daily notes (e.g. individual, group and family session notes), and other required documents which become part of the residents’ permanent record. Responsible for writing Program Plan Reviews (PPR’s) incident reports, furlough reports, referrals, exit staffings’, and parole reports.

Conducts background checks for residents’ visitors (collateral contact) , conducts tours (e.g. Court ordered, judges, legislators, police trainees) of the institution, which could include a detailed explanation of individual building/unit missions.

Supervises residents to assist them in seeking employment, developing a resume, and accomplishing successful job interviews. Instructs youth in areas of community standards, independent living skills, and consumerism.

Operates and monitors surveillance and access control equipment in the Control Center and Operations Center of the architecturally secure facilities operated by the agency.

Supervises residents during off-site appointments.

Must perform accountabilities in accordance with established safety policies and procedures.

Communicates with supervisors regarding issues related to workplace safety.

May be directed to participate as a member of a crisis response team within the facility.

YOUTH COUNSELOR III

Performs constant surveillance to ensure a safe and secure environment free, from assaults, escapes, attempted suicides, and other potentially dangerous or fatal situations. Inspects and searches residents and their living area for contraband and ensures protection of resident possessions or evidential material.

Demonstrates the ability to handle potentially volatile situations including suicide attempts, assaults, attempted escapes, etc.

Organizes and supervises daily recreational, motivational and educational activities to encourage growth and development of residents. Physically subdues aggressive, and at times assaultive, residents within guidelines established by the Agency.

Develops and implements specific treatment plans geared toward residents’ individual needs. Develops and facilitates weekly therapeutic groups (e.g. “Cognitive Self Change”), and coordinates and conducts individual counseling and family sessions to achieve specific short and long term objectives with a goal of rehabilitation and successful return to the community.

Supervises, trains, supports and evaluates the work performance of subordinate Youth Counselors. Recommends personnel actions such as hiring or disciplinary measures.

Pursues escaped/escaping residents (within the physical facility property located at 1056 N River Rd. Manchester, NH) with the intent to apprehend and return them to the Agency.

Communicates in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing, with various outside agencies/individuals, such as court officials, JPPO’s, families, medical and clinical personnel, law enforcement personnel, lawyers and residents. Demonstrates the ability to communicate in alternative methods for residents who may be cognitively impaired or have learning disabilities.

Develops and maintains case records which include treatment plans, Program Plan Reviews (PPR), parole reports, daily notes (e.g. individual, group and family sessions notes), and other required documents which become part of the residents’ permanent record. Responsible for writing Program Plan Reviews (PPR’s) incident reports, furlough reports, referrals, exit staffings’, and parole reports.

Conducts background checks for residents’ visitors (collateral contacts), conducts tours (e.g. Court ordered, judges, legislators, police trainees) of the institution, which could include a detailed explanation of individual cottage/unit missions.

Operates and monitors surveillance and access control equipment in the Control Center and Operations Center of the architecturally secure facilities operated by the agency.

Supervises resident to assist them in seeking employment, developing a resume, and accomplishing successful job interviews. Instructs youth in areas of community standards, independent living skills, and consumerism.

Supervises residents during off-site appointments.

Must perform accountabilities in accordance with established safety policies and procedures.

Communicates with supervisors regarding issues related to workplace safety.

May be directed to participate as a member of a crisis response team within the facility.

Disclaimer Statement : The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

For further information please contact Toby Archer, Administrator II TOBY.J.ARCHER@DHHS.NH.GOV , 603-496-8619.

• TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits is based on the employee's union status, and employee per pay period health benefit contributions will vary depending on the type of plan selected.

See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:

Employee Benefits | NH Dept. of Administrative Services

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 13.85% of pay

Other Benefits:

• Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)

• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

• State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

• Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan

• $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance

• Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:

Total Compensation Calculator | Human Resources | NH Dept. of Administrative Services

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

Human Resources | NH Dept. of Administrative Services

Benefits Summary (nh.gov)

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964