JOB SUMMARY

The Youth Care Counselor (Boys Ranch) cares for andsupervises youth in care in the group home. The Youth Care Counselor mustexhibit the intellectual and emotional maturity required to relate to and carefor youth who have behavioral issues and difficulty relating to others due todevelopmental delays, mental health needs and trauma. The position requires respectfor and compassionate understanding for the youth in care and the ability tobalance the need for nurture and structure in their work with youth. The YouthCare Counselor must have the ability to form and maintain healthy relationshipswith youth and co-workers, effectively communicate with others, solve problemsand regulate their own behavior in all situations. The Youth Care Counselor mustmaintain a healthy value system, including moral and ethical behaviorconsistent with the agency's mission and core values.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learn and effectively use the Trust-BasedRelational Intervention (TBRI) model of care.
• Develop a relationship with each youth in careand proactively teach self-regulation techniques and acceptable ways to giveand receive care.
• Know and teach youth the four MCH Rules and 10MCH Life Skills.
• Use the IDEAL approach to discipline andappropriately intervene with youth who exhibit inappropriate behaviors or whoneed assistance in regulating their behavior. 
• Work independently and in cooperation with otherchild care staff to provide a safe, clean, and orderly home for youth incompliance with applicable licensing and accreditation standards.
• Supervise youth in care to ensure their safetyand well-being and adjust the level of supervision according to the circumstancesand needs of the youth.
• Ensure youth have the appropriate clothing,shoes, personal care supplies, and hygiene items required for grooming,including encouragement and coaching on maintaining good hygiene.
• Help youth express fears and concerns, manageanxiety around family-related issues, and assist in processing daily events,traumatic events and those events related to their placement.
• Arrange for and take youth to the doctor,dentist and other appointments.
• Dispense and documentthe administration of prescribed and over the counter medications as needed.
• Assist in the planning, ordering, andpreparation of healthy snacks and meals in the home.
• Support the participation of youth in spiritualdevelopment activities in the home and through services and programs offered bythe Spiritual Development staff.
• Support the education of youth in care, participatein teacher conferences and provide assistance with homework as needed.
• Support the participation of residents inacademic, athletic and social extracurricular activities.
• Ensure that the recreational needs of each youthare met, including participation in age-appropriate activities in thecommunity.
• Promote age-appropriate independence throughinstruction and coaching on self-care skills and participation in age-appropriateskill development activities.
• Manage agency funds, resources and equipment,assigned to and for their use, safely and according to agency policy andprocedures.
• Complete required documentation to promote safechild care and sound home management.
• Ensure all facilities and equipment are clean,organized and maintained.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Youth Care Counselor worksvarious schedules based upon the needs of the group home and their primaryresponsibilities may vary according to the day and time of the scheduled shift.The Youth Care Counselor's schedule will be determined by the employee'ssupervisor. Most duties are performed in the group home, but transportation ofresidents to activities and events in the local community is frequent. Out of town and overnight travel may berequired. MCH provides an agency vehicle for thetransportation of residents for all activities and events. A technologystipend is provided to support the communication requirements of this position. 

EDUCATION/LICENSURE

The Youth Care Counselor must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Furthereducation and experience in child care related fields are preferred.
TRAINING

Training hours must be completed pre-service and annually to comply withlicensing and accreditation standards, as well as MCH policy. The employee'ssupervisor may require additional training to meet specific job requirements orenhance professional growth. Completion of training requirements is mandatoryfor continued employment.
OTHER

TheYouth Care Counselor must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid TexasDriver's License, an excellent driving record that meets the standards setforth by the liability insurance company and Methodist Children's Home, nocriminal history and acceptable references. 

CLOSING STATEMENTI have reviewed the job description for the position of Youth CareCounselor and understand I must be able to perform the duties outlined above.The Physical Demands/Requirements of the position are provided in anotherdocument and discussed at hire. I understand that due to the complexities ofthe position all duties and responsibilities may not be outlined in this jobdescription and the duties and responsibilities of this position are subject tochange.