Youth Development Counselor Per Diem - Good Shepherd Services

Good Shepherd Services is a leading multi-service agency with more than 85 programs that serve over 30,000 youth and families each year – and builds on their strengths to help them gain skills for success.  At Good Shepherd we respect the dignity and worth of every person and reject intolerance, inequity and injustice in whatever form it may take. Voted one of the top 100 places to work in NYC by Crain’s New York, Good Shepherd Services offers a fantastic work environment, a collaborative team dedicated to fulfilling our mission, and an amazing array of benefits. Join our team and help make a difference! 

Salary: $20-22 per hour

For Full Time Employees Benefits/Perks:

• Tuition Assistance Program
• Generous paid time off (Including 5 Self-Care Days/Floating Holidays, 12 Sick Days, 15 Vacation Days, and 11 Holidays)
• Healthcare Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Pet Care)
• 403(b) Plan (GSS contributes 3% of your salary to your 403(b) plan after 3 years of service, with contributions increasing over time) 

Candidates hired in this position will work in person but will have the flexibility to work remotely when program need allows.

We are looking for dynamic and compassionate Youth Development Counselors to work in our Residential Programs. In this role you will take a caring, personal approach to meeting youth’s basic needs while providing physical and emotional safety. 

Reports to:    RESIDENTIAL LIFE SUPERVISOR, SHARP HOUSE

Location:      2207 University Avenue, Bronx, New York 10453

Hours:           Up to 21 Hours/Week; Non-Exempt

Major Duties:

• Provide direct supervision and be accountable for the whereabouts of residents at all times.
• Manage residents' behavior; maintain order.
• Implement daily living routines, schedules and procedures.
• Ensure the safety of the residents and maintain security and high standard of cleanliness throughout the residence.                                       
• Provide individual and group counseling for residents and, when appropriate, work with residents' families and participate in youth and family development. Coordinate court ordered visits which includes supervised home visits, day passes and facility visits, etc. (Visits suspended during use as quarantine house.)
• Maintain records, logs, reports and adhere to documentation requirements.
• Participate in the planning and execution of educational, recreational, and personal enrichment activities.        
• Ensure the proper care and supervision of supplies and agency equipment.                   
• Participate in ongoing meetings, conferences and training programs.                                              
• Interact and communicate with Good Shepherd staff in matters related to, but not limited to, the needs of the residents and the program in general.        
• Providing safe transportation for residents for court ordered appointments. (Not during use as quarantine house.)
• Attend all mandatory training required by DYFJ (Department of Youth Family Justice ) and GSS.
• Responsible for adhering to all DYFJ and OCFS regulations.
• Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model tools: safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, red flag reviews, treatment planning conferences (or similar), and self-care in the department/program to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
• Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
• Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.                                     

Qualifications: 

• High School diploma or GED required.  
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must be able to complete and pass all components of required physical intervention training.
• Must successfully complete a pre-hire physical ability test.
• Ability to perform physical restraint of youth using approved restraint procedures.
• Must be capable of sustained physical exertion and have no limitations on ability to engage in necessary physical intervention activities including but not limited to: standing, twisting, turning, kneeling, and supporting a participant’s body weight.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength based, youth development and trauma-informed perspective.

Additional Qualifications: 

• Must be able to successfully complete state mandated crisis intervention training within two months of hire
• Must successfully complete a pre-hire physical ability test.
• Ability to perform physical restraint of youth using approved restraint procedures.
• Must be capable of sustained physical exertion and have no limitations on ability to engage in necessary physical intervention activities including but not limited to: standing, twisting, turning, kneeling, and supporting a participant’s body weight.

Good Shepherd Services is an equal opportunity employer that is proudly committed to becoming an anti-racist and multicultural organization that stands up for justice and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse backgrounds, for administrative support and direct service and leadership roles, who will join us on that journey, uphold our values and approach, and believe in our mission. Additionally, we aim to have a racially representative leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Good Shepherd Services is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, participants, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and termination of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.

We are committed to providing a workplace that is accessible and accommodating to employees with disabilities. As part of our commitment to providing a barrier-free recruitment and selection process, we will provide reasonable accommodations upon request for candidates with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the hiring process, please inform us of your needs in advance. We value diversity and inclusivity in our workplace and encourage applicants of all abilities to apply.