WOW Counselor II (2550)

About Our Organization

Youth Guidance creates and implements school-based programs that enable children to overcome obstacles, focus on their education, and ultimately, to succeed in school and in life.  We believe that no matter what challenges a young person faces, they are more likely to succeed when they have caring adults in their lives. Our highly trained staff guides kids to overcome the life and academic challenges facing the youth. We meet kids where they are — physically and emotionally — to help them focus on their education, make positive choices, and remain on the right path toward life success. 

Founded in 1924 and celebrating 100 years of impact this year, Youth Guidance is a leading provider of outcomes-driven programs serving more than 18,000 youth around the country.  For more information, visit www.youth-guidance.org.  

Position Summary: Our WOW Counselor II’s are responsible for recruiting providing school-based group counseling and direct service to girls in 6th-12th grade by empowering them to develop responsible decision-making skills, self-awareness, emotions management, self-acceptance, healthy relationships, and social awareness. The WOW Counselor should be flexible in their clinical expertise and youth engagement skills to empower the girls to become successful in school and life.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Facilitate 4-5 weekly group counseling sessions utilizing the WOW curriculum during the school day
• Participate in individual and group clinical supervision, case consultation, and fidelity coaching.
• Provide clinical assessments and psychosocial intakes appropriate to support students’ social-emotional development. Provide family and crisis intervention as needed
• Document all interactions with youth, including group and individual case notes, clinical assessments, brief encounters, special events, program consents, pre/post surveys, and monthly program narratives based on program protocol. (within 24 hours)
• Perform weekly required documentation and special administrative assignments
• Participate in WOW staff development and required curriculum training
• Provide all necessary functions to develop the WOW program using teacher training and school in-service presentations
• Collaborate with the LSC, Parent Programs, and the Pupil Personnel Support team
• Participate in assigned WOW committees
• Serve on Youth Guidance Board and/or agency committees as requested
• Perform public relations assignments as requested including events, outreach, and external facing community networking opportunities.
• Work jointly with Program & Coach Supervisor(s) and BAM Youth Specialist to plan and execute field trips and special events for students throughout the school year and summer.
• Other duties as needed.

Education/Experience/Training

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, or a related human service field from an approved accredited university and one year of youth engagement experience required
• LCSW, LCPC, or LPC (or eligibility for clinical licensure) preferred.
• Experience in Clinical and Youth Engagement
• Two years’ experience in school-based, clinical, youth-serving, and/or alternative settings.
• Familiarity with crisis intervention models, evidence-based practices, and SEL frameworks.
• Experience facilitating group counseling sessions and delivering trauma-informed care.
• Must have at least two years of experience facilitating groups

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
• Capable of collaborating in team settings and working independently
• Must exhibit cultural competency
• Must demonstrate creativity in engaging youth
• Provide a positive team-based approach to treatment and care while working with clients
• Fluent in Spanish and English is preferred

Core Competencies

• Communication: Uses effective written and oral communication with internal staff, teams, and community served; demonstrates empathy and listening
• Client orientation: Recognizes needs of diverse stakeholders and approaches relationships with a service orientation, to ultimately maximize the impact
• Equity mindset: Understands and is committed to goals of equity, consistently brings an equity mindset to the organization’s work and workplace
• Growth mindset: Views growth as important for personal and professional development; seeks out opportunities to expand skills, even if the change is required, demonstrates curiosity and eagerness to learn
• Ownership and quality of work: Effectively manages own work, and work of the team to ensure delivery of high-quality work
• Supervisory skills: Effectively manages and develops others
• Mission drive: Demonstrates commitment to the missing of the organization as a whole and alignment with organization values

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job operates in a professional office environment, school setting, and working with the public.
• The role includes supporting events that may occur during evenings or weekends.
• Occasional local and national travel

Benefits 

Youth Guidance offers a competitive benefit package for eligible full-time employees including the option to participate in medical, dental, and vision plans as well as short-term disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, pet insurance, 401k, a wellness program and more. You may also quality for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). 

 Compensation 

 Range: $58,000-$68,000 

Pay is determined by your educational background, licensure, and relevant professional experience. Our Values

At Youth Guidance, we believe that creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected is fundamental to realizing our vision of bright and successful futures for all young people. We acknowledge that many systems and institutions intended to support youth do not provide fair treatment or access for everyone. We strive to celebrate the unique qualities of youth and recognize them as empowered leaders, problem-solvers, and experts of their own experiences.

Youth Guidance is an equal opportunity employer. Youth Guidance does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law and is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $58,000 - $68,000