Youth Counselor (Overnight), TSC

Description

Join Us at Wayfinder Family Services: A Place Where Every Challenge Meets Opportunity

At Wayfinder Family Services, we believe every child, youth, and adult facing challenges deserves support—and we’re committed to being their unwavering guide. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive, contribute, and grow. If you want to make an impact, build lasting relationships, and create positive change in the communities we serve, Wayfinder might be the place for you!

Your Opportunity to Lead Change

As a part of the Wayfinder team, you won’t just have a job—you’ll have a purpose. You’ll be part of a team of passionate professionals who are committed to providing life-changing services to individuals facing obstacles. Whether you're working with children, youth, or adults, every day presents a new opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.

Why Choose Wayfinder Family Services?

We offer more than just competitive salaries; we offer a community where your work will matter and where your growth is supported. Here’s how we empower our team:

💼 Work-Life Flexibility

• Hybrid schedules available for many roles
• Flexible hours to support your work-life balance

💰 Competitive Compensation & Benefits

• Sign-on bonuses for eligible positions
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Generous 401(k) matching (100% of deferrals up to 3% of compensation; 50% of deferrals on 3% to 5%)
• Medical & Dental Insurance with employee-only family coverage plans
• Paid Time Off: 11 paid holidays, five winter holidays, and a generous PTO policy
• Education Reimbursement: Invest in your career development
• Employee Referral Program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Robust training programs in trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and clinical supervision for licensure

🌍 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

• We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
• We actively encourage applicants from historically underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities.

🌱 Growth & Learning

• Access to professional development opportunities, including Shared Core Practice Model and Trauma-Informed Care training.
• Be a part of our commitment to best practices in social services.

Compensation:

• In accordance with California law, the expected salary range for this position is posted with this position.  The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Role Summary

As a Youth Counselor, you will be pivotal in supporting children, youth, and families facing life’s toughest challenges. Whether you provide hands-on case management, help to develop life skills, or provide emotional support, your work will directly impact the lives of those we serve.

STARTING PAY RANGE: $18.03 /HR. COULD INCREASE DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION LEVEL

The schedule for this position is Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30pm - 7:00am.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re seeking passionate individuals who embody the values of compassion, integrity, and teamwork. Here’s what you’ll need to succeed:

• A solid commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others
• Experience working in social services, education, mental health, or related fields (preferred but not required)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills—you're a connector, a listener, and a problem solver
• A passion for lifelong learning and professional development
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and work collaboratively with diverse teams
• A growth mindset that aligns with Wayfinder’s mission to empower and support marginalized communities

How you will Impact Change:

• Ensures the health, safety, and welfare of our residents in the program
• Assists in planning, organizing, and supervising milieu programs such as recreational and therapeutic activities that promote developmental competencies and skills targeted to children's unique and special needs.
• Engage/coach our residents with different sports activities like Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Swimming, etc.
• Provides supportive guidance, working closely with mental health clinicians, supervisors, and social workers.
• Reports any incidents/accidents according to incident reporting procedures and protocols, within designated timelines outlined in the reporting procedures.
• Provides transportation to residents to medical appointments, community outings, meetings, or other locations by driving agency vehicles
• Ensures a safe and clean-living environment, participating in household cleaning and maintenance activities. 

Qualifications

Education and Credentials

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in a related field OR Associate's Degree with 12 semester units in related field and experience working with youth OR High School Diploma and previously employed as a full-time staff or volunteer at a group home or residential program for at least one year or relevant life experience in child welfare.
• Minimum of one (1) year residential experience, preferably Emergency Shelter.
• Must have the skills necessary to engage and work with others from diverse backgrounds.  
• Maintain a non-judgmental attitude toward youth and their families.  
• Modify and adjust individual intervention techniques for each situation while maintaining the original direction of the plan.  
• Assess and respond to a crisis in a prompt and effective collaborative manner.
• Current Pro-Act certification preferred.
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of two (2) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles. 

Employee Wellness and Safety at Wayfinder

Our employees' and clients' health and safety are at the heart of everything we do. To maintain a safe environment, we require:

• Health screenings and adherence to our masking policies where applicable
• Proof of required vaccinations for employees working with unaccompanied minors (The Haven program)
• Exemptions considered for medical or disability-related reasons

At Wayfinder, we believe in our diverse team's strength and collective ability to create meaningful change. Wayfinder Family Services is ready for you if you're ready to contribute to an organization that values your skills, respects your individuality, and fosters your personal and professional growth!

Salary : $19 - $24