POSITION SUMMARYWant to be part of a team that is helping create a hopeful tomorrow for some of Connecticut's most vulnerable youth? Wheeler's Congregate Care programs offer services to youth with serious behavioral health concerns and are now living in community-based, home-like environments. We are looking for direct care counselors to function as members of our multi-disciplinary team. If you have high energy, work from a strengths-based perspective, have strong child and family experience and want to join a team that has a proven track record of creating positive outcomes for youth, then we want to hear from you!The Direct Care Counselor (DCC) position pay is $18/hr, with opportunity for advancement to Senior DCC. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONSAssociate's Degree with some related experience preferred or High School Diploma and two years experience in a related field. Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills required. Valid Drivers License is required. Safely operates vehicle in the community, based on program needs LOCATIONBristol, CT SCHEDULEPart Time: Sat 3pm-10:30pm; Sun 8am-3pm EMPLOYEE BENEFITSWheeler Clinic offers access to a comprehensive array of benefits, including:- For Good Health- Wellness Programs- Free annual flu shots- For Career Advancement- Training and development opportunities- For Work Life Balance- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Free and confidential counseling- Employee discounts on cell phone services ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDemonstrates understanding of child and adolescent development and current trends.Communicates effectively with youth and staff, develops positive relationships, and maintains appropriate boundaries.Identifies potential risk factors and takes measures to reduce those risks in the milieu through appropriate supervision, reinforcement of positive and safe behaviors, trauma-informed and relationally-based therapeutic interventions, reporting of suspected child abuse/neglect, administering medication according to agency policies and procedures and maintaining required certifications.May serve as lead counselor on assigned shifts and ensure that all duties of shift are completed by shift staff or reported to leadership in a timely manner.May be assigned responsibilities necessary to ensure and document ongoing safe, effective, compliant functioning of program on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.May take lead in training new staff on shift duties and associated responsibilities.Trains and participates in emergency safety interventions authorized and approved by the agency, when a youth presents with an imminent safety concern.Interacts with and relates to youth in ways that support asset-building through praising youth, focusing on their strengths and helping them to take responsibility for their choices and behaviors.Adapts, facilitates, and evaluates age appropriate activities in an effort to assist youth in achieving their goals.Works as part of a team and shows professionalism.Respects and honors cultural and human diversity.Establishes positive relationships and maintains effective communication with co-workers, supervisors, and administrators, demonstrating the ability to accept constructive feedback and works to resolve conflicts.Works effectively and respectfully with families and guardians.Transports youth to appointments and activities.Attends staff meetings and demonstrates strong work ethic in terms of general performance as it relates to meeting the needs of youth in the program.Prepares nutritious and culturally diverse meals for children in the program and ensures that their daily care and developmental needs are met.Engages youth in developmentally appropriate life skill development activities.Maintains the home environment to ensure that it is safe and clean.Administers medication to youth according to agency policy and procedures.Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.