A positive, supportive role model who guides and influences group activities on a consistent basis that enhances the youth's confidence and self-esteem. Youth Counselor/Teachers ensure the progress and welfare of each client and the group through therapeutic and educational programs. Responsible for staff secure supervision during the morning and evenings. Responsible for delivering evidenced based practices identified by the Director of Programming to clients.
• Contribute to the educational development of clients; Duties include, but not limited to teaching, tutoring, instructing, or lecturing to impart knowledge on variety of subjects and activities at program.
• Lead group of youth through a variety of daily activities while providing group and individual counseling, with an emphasis on strength-based development; Maintain a high standard of successful role modeling for youth that reflects enthusiasm, creativity, flexibility and activities that are educational and engaging.
• Responsible for the overall supervision of clients to ensure the safety and security of all youth and staff. This supervision includes working at a minimum a 5-day, 24-hour per day shift.
• Support the educational staff while youth attend the on-site school each day. Monitor youth behavior and ensure environment is conducive to learning.
• Deliver evidenced based practices identified by the Director of Programming.
• Implement the Change curriculum with youth employing interactive journaling to encourages youth to internalize or “try on” new knowledge.
• Involve the youth group in developing total plans and activities for each individual and the group.
• Ensure balanced activities for all levels of involvement of youth based on capabilities.
• Ensure successful development of the youth through rational living cognitive behavioral therapy to help youth define their life goals and then help them achieve those goals—pointing out thinking errors and faulty cognitions along the way.
• Provide feedback, growth experiences, and recognition for youth to enhance confidence and self-esteem.
• Develop and participate in planned trips and activities as required to ensure progress of the youth.
• Participate in staffing meetings with Group Managers, Senior Youth Counselor/Teacher , Director of Programming, Lead Teacher and others.
• Submit written evaluations as scheduled on all individuals and groups ensuring documentation and communication is shared at all levels of program involvement.
• Implement individual service plans as specified by primary staffing teams.
• Demonstrate both sensitivity and responsiveness to the cultural differences within the client population.
• May oversee in the self administration of medications required by youth in care pursuant to Eckerd policy on Medication Administration and appropriate training.
Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral services, or outdoor recreation specialties required. Will be required to obtain certification as a certified cognitive behavioral group facilitator within one year of employment. Direct child care in a therapeutic/rehabilitative setting preferred. Experience in outdoor recreation preferred.
Eckerd is a drug-free workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Eckerd utilizes E-verify to confirm employment eligibility.
Eckerd Youth Alternatives (EYA) provides early intervention and prevention, wilderness education, residential and day treatment, and...