What are the responsibilities and job description for the Group Home Youth Counselor position at Virginia Home For Boys and Girls?
About Group Care Services at VHBG
VHBG is licensed by the Department of Social Services and aims to create the most natural environment for our youth that still provides them with the supports they need to overcome past trauma, build relationships, and work on transitioning to a more permanent environment. We work directly with the child’s agency that placed them with us (typically the city or county department of social services) to make decisions that are in their best interest. Youth are able to leave our campus to spend time with their families, attend summer camps, gain employment, and participate in other extracurricular activities. We have been able to give the youth who come here the opportunity to have a childhood and experience the joy in life.
About the Opportunity
The Group Home Youth Counselor is responsible for the treatment of up to 8 youth in the Teaching Family Home under the direction of the Group Home Manager. This position completes regular safety checks, program documentation, and facility upkeep throughout the overnight hours while residents are sleeping. During resident waking hours, this position provides teaching, guidance and supervision to youth.
Core duties and responsibilities:
· Implement approved Individual Service Plans and Behavior Support Plans for each youth
· Provide a therapeutic, family-style treatment environment for youth according to the model and standards developed in the Teaching-Family Model (including overseeing physical care, helping youth develop acceptable habits and attitudes, positive behavioral supports, crisis intervention, assisting with the upkeep of the physical environment)
· Communicate professionally with clients’ teachers, parents, caseworkers, and probation officers, etc.
· Transport clients if needed
· Document activities, behaviors, contacts, and interventions as they occur
· Work a two week rotating schedule
· Embrace agency commitment to open communication in both giving and receiving information and feedback.
Experience and Education:
High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum of 6 months working with children or adolescents required. One year of experience working with youth in a group home facility is preferred. Clinical experience working with youth is preferred.
In addition, the candidate must possess a valid Virginia Driver’s License with driving record in good standing, must be able to successfully clear background checks associated with job, and must successfully complete in-house training.
About the Culture at VHBG
VHBG's leadership team encourages employees to bring their authentic self to work, whatever that means for that employee. We do this through unbiased recruiting practices, advocating for employees to participate in our inclusion ambassador council, implementing employee feedback and offering training opportunities focused on diversity, inclusion and equity. VHBG nurtures belonging and retains a highly engaged workforce in order to achieve the best experience and outcomes for our clients.
VHBG is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, age, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status as a protected veteran, disability, or other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
