Youth Counselor, The Haven

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.

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:

• Provides transportation to residents to community outings, meetings, or other locations by driving agency vehicles.
• Ensures the health and safety of shelter care residents through line-of-sight supervision.
• Implements and follows plan on individualized goals and objectives (meal plans, pre-vocational skills, etc.).
• Documentation/record keeping on individual progress, behavior management, daily activities, resident medical, equipment, and clothing needs using appropriate documentation and systems.
• Performs inventory, washing, ironing, and putting away clothing to ensure each resident has the proper amount and personal clothing available to them.  Shopping may be required depending on the resident’s assignment.
• Reports any incidents/accidents according to incident reporting procedures and protocols within designated timelines as outlined in the reporting procedures. Reports any unusual incidents/accidents immediately to the supervisor, both verbally and in writing.
• Performs regular checks on Residents and documents 15-minute observations.
• Ensures client safety through working collaboratively with the team in appropriately and effectively using the PRO-ACT model when necessary.

NOCTURNAL SHIFT : The following are other duties specific to the overnight Youth Counselor shift:

• Employees scheduled to work the nocturnal shift must remain awake and alert throughout their scheduled shift.
• Residents awake when the overnight staff comes on shift will be assisted until they sleep.
• Performs regular checks on Residents and documents 15-minute observations.
• Pulls reports from Resident Binders and ensure that all documentation is available and passed to the appropriate group supervisor.
• Cleans staff lounges, kitchens, laundry rooms, and multipurpose area.

Qualifications

Education and Credentials

• Bachelor's or Associate degree with 12-semester units in a related field and experience working with youth, high school diploma OR previously been employed as full-time staff or served as a volunteer at a group home or residential program for at least one year OR relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice systems as a consumer, mentor, caregiver, or other relevant experience as determined by the department.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with at-risk severely emotionally disturbed (SED) youth and/or non-minor dependents is required.
• Valid California driver's license and eligibility to drive agency vehicles.
• Must be 21 years of age to drive agency vehicles.
• Bilingual in Spanish is highly 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