Youth Care Counselor

JOB SUMMARY

The Youth Care Counselor provides direct care, supervision, guidance, and protection of group home residents and demonstrates the maturity needed to support residents with behavioral, developmental, mental health, and trauma-related needs. The position requires compassion and respect for youth in care and the ability to balance nurture with structure. The Youth Care Counselor must build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, problem-solve, and regulate emotions, while modeling moral and ethical behavior aligned with the agency’s mission and core values. The Youth Care Counselor will receive training in MCH’s treatment model, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and consistently apply and model TBRI principles in daily interactions with residents and team members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learn, consistently apply and model MCH’s treatment model, TBRI.
• Serve as an active member of the service planning team for each assigned resident and provide ongoing support to help residents meet their treatment goals.
• Apply TBRI principles to guide discipline and intervene appropriately with residents displaying behavioral or mental health needs.
• Work independently and in cooperation with other team members to provide a safe, clean, and orderly home for residents in compliance with all relevant contract standards.
• Supervise residents in care to ensure their safety and well-being and adjust the level of supervision according to the circumstances and needs of the resident.
• Ensure residents have appropriate clothing, shoes, personal hygiene supplies and provides coaching on maintaining proper hygiene.
• Assist residents in processing daily experiences, trauma and overall placement.
• Accompanies and advocates for residents at medical appointments.
• Provide transportation to medical appointments and experiential learning opportunities
• Dispense and document the administration of prescribed and over the counter medications.
• Assist in the planning, ordering, and preparation of healthy meals and snacks in the home.
• Support the participation of residents in spiritual life activities in the home and through services and programs offered by the Spiritual Life team.
• Support the education of youth in care, participate in teacher conferences and provide assistance with homework as needed.
• Support the participation of residents in academic, athletic and social extracurricular activities.
• Ensure that the social and recreational needs of each resident are met, including participation in age-appropriate activities in the community.
• Promote age-appropriate independence through instruction and coaching on self-care skills and participation in age-appropriate skill development activities.
• Manage agency funds, resources and equipment, assigned to and for their use, safely and according to agency policy and procedures.
• Complete required documentation to meet safe child care and sound home management compliance.
• Ensure all facilities and equipment are clean, organized and maintained.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Youth Care Counselor works various schedules based upon the needs of the group home and their primary responsibilities may vary according to the day and time of the scheduled shift. The Youth Care Counselor’s schedule will be determined by the employee’s supervisor. Most duties are performed in the group home, but transportation of residents to activities and events in the local community is frequent. Out of town and overnight travel may be required. MCH provides an agency vehicle for the transportation of residents for all activities and events. A technology stipend 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. Further education and experience in childcare related fields are preferred.

TRAINING
Training hours must be completed in pre-service and annually to comply with all relevant contract standards, as well as MCH policy. The employee’s supervisor may require additional training to meet specific job requirements or enhance professional growth. Completion of training requirements is mandatory for continued employment.

OTHER
The Youth Care Counselor must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid Texas Driver’s License, an excellent driving record that meets the standards set forth by the liability insurance company and Methodist Children’s Home, no criminal history and acceptable references.

CLOSING STATEMENT
I have reviewed the job description for the position of Youth Care Counselor and understand I must be able to perform the duties outlined above. The Physical Demands/Requirements of the position are provided in another document and discussed at hire. I understand that due to the complexities of the position all duties and responsibilities may not be outlined in this job description and the duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change.