WOW Counselor II (3513)

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.

We are seeking counselors and youth-serving professionals who understand the importance of culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered work with young people.

Primary Service Area: Somerville, MA

WOW Counselors will serve students at:

• Winter Hill Community Innovation School
• Arthur E. Healey School

LOCAL CANDIDATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Because this is a school-based position, candidates who live in or have established connections to the communities we serve are encouraged to apply. We welcome qualified applicants from:

Somerville • Cambridge • Watertown • Allston • Malden • Everett • Chelsea • Melrose

Don't see your city listed? No problem. Qualified candidates residing in Boston or other neighboring communities are also encouraged to apply. Applicants should be able to reliably and comfortably commute to Somerville and meet the scheduling requirements of the position.

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, clinical assessments, brief encounters, special events, program consents, pre/post surveys, and monthly program narratives based on program protocol. (within 24 hours)
• Complete the WOW Annual Training Plan based on the WOW Counselor Competencies: clinical knowledge, youth engagement, group counseling, authentic self, administration, and systemic leadership.  In addition, training required to learn the WOW curriculum.
• Engage school staff and leadership to assist with implementation and provide all necessary functions to develop the WOW program, including teacher training and school in-service presentations
• Collaborate with the LSC, Parent Programs, and the Pupil Personnel Support team to maintain aligned communication and ensure all stakeholders are aware of and actively supporting student intervention plans
• Participate in assigned WOW committees to foster organizational engagement, share best practices, and gain broader regional insights alongside peers across Youth Guidance
• Serve on Youth Guidance Board and/or agency committees as requested
• Support public relations and community engagement efforts, including representing the organization at community events, developing external communications, cultivating relationships with community stakeholders, and promoting program impact and organizational initiatives.
• Work jointly with Program Supervisor and Replication Specialist to plan and execute field trips and special events for students throughout the school year and summer.
• Provide counseling services within Somerville Public Schools, utilizing individualized clinical and group facilitation strategies to address the diverse needs of students, foster meaningful engagement, and promote positive social-emotional development.
• Other duties as needed.

Education/Experience/Training

• Bachelor’s degree is required from an approved accredited university and a minimum of two years of youth engagement experience
• A 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 preferred
• Must have at least two years of experience facilitating groups
• Working knowledge of clinical interventions
• Experience Youth Engagement
• Experience working with trauma-informed services and framework
• Experience working in schools or youth-related systems, i.e. DCFS, juvenile detention, mental health facilities

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
• Capable of collaborating in team settings and working independently
• Must be a self-starter
• Must exhibit cultural competency
• Must demonstrate creativity in engaging youth
• 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.
• 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 
 $59,000- $67,000 
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 : $59,000 - $67,000