Community-Based Prevention Counselor

Overview The hours for this position are generally Monday - Friday, 10 am - 6 pm. This is a full-time, 35 hours per week, 12-month position. Counselors must occasionally work outside their regular hours to meet the needs of the youth served. The pay range is $19-$21 per hour. A $1000 Hiring Bonus is offered. The Community-Based Counselor is responsible for providing ongoing individual and family counseling to youth/families seeking Center services. This role completes the comprehensive assessment begun by the triage/intake counselor, identifying issues related to substance use/abuse, problem gambling, and other risk factors inhibiting healthy youth development. An Individualized Service Plan is developed and implemented based on the assessment and goals identified by the youth, including appropriate prevention activities. Community Counselors provide short-term counseling and activities focused on resolving identified problems and/or assessing and improving youth and family risk and protective factors related to substance abuse and/or problem gambling. The average caseload is 15–20 cases. They also provide crisis intervention, family counseling, and information and referral services as needed. This position delivers Prevention Counseling services throughout Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs at The Center for Youth and other community partner programs. The Counselor may assist with Intake/Triage responsibilities, handle crisis phone calls, and support community outreach and networking with other agencies/providers to coordinate client services. The Community-Based Counselors are part of a larger team of Counselors trained in youth and family group facilitation. Essential functions and example of duties Assessment and Intake* Individual and Family Counseling* Assessment of substance use/abuse, problem gambling and other risk factors* Crisis Intervention* Referral Readiness and Referral* Provide chemical dependency and gambling prevention counseling, groups, and activities that foster skill development and/or facilitate appropriate treatment referrals at The Center and outside agencies* Youth Advocacy* Parent Group Facilitation (research/science based curricula)* Maintenance of Client Confidentiality, consistent with agency policies* Neighborhood and Community Outreach* Accurate, Timely Case and Program Record Keeping* Individual and Group Supervision Participation * Staff Meetings and Training Participation* Transportation of Clients, when required and consistent with agency policies* Participation in Community Committees, Coalitions, Task Forces, etc. as assigned Other duties, as assigned Employment Guidelines Note: Candidate must... Possess knowledge of and experience in providing chemical dependency and problem gambling prevention counseling Adhere to ethical conduct Demonstrate professionalism i.e., timely, dependable, responsible, flexible Be non-judgmental and respectful Model principles of inclusion and tolerance Be youth-centered and positive Be family-friendly Establish effective working relationships with supervisor and co-workers Develop positive relationships with all key stakeholders Have strong literacy skills (i.e., reading, writing, comprehension) Have excellent communication skills (verbal and written) Conduct research and apply best practices and evaluation methods Effectively promote knowledge and skill development and positive behaviors Provide leadership and/or work independently as requested Candidate must possess significant knowledge of Adolescent development including positive youth development, asset development, risk reduction, and protective factors Youth-serving systems Community resources Client advocacy Cultural Sensitivity The Center delivers services to youth and families from many racial, ethnic, cultural, social and life style groups. We value differences in people and strive to understand diverse cultures, ethnic origins, sexual orientations, abilities and beliefs. All staff are required to attend professional development trainings and to continually enhance their understanding of cultural diversity. Staff are expected to respect and honor cultural and human diversity. The annual Performance Appraisal provides an opportunity for staff to evaluate how they are integrating culturally competent practices into their everyday work. Qualifications A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, or a related field; and 2 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, employment, and life experience. Note: A Master’s Degree, CPP/ICPS/CASAC, advanced training in chemical dependency prevention-related areas is preferred. In addition to the above, candidates must meet the following criteria before hire: Authorization for the agency to obtain driving record information A valid driver’s license and regular access to a motor vehicle Automobile insurance at the level of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident Bodily Injury and $50,000 Property Damage Physical Requirements Candidates must be able to be autonomously mobile to provide the required services. Computer Skills Recommended Microsoft Office - Advanced Internet Explorer - Advanced The Center for Youth provides equal opportunities for employment. Salary: $19 - $21 per hour EEO/Equal Opportunity

The Center for Youth Services is an equal opportunity employer.

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