OVERVIEW:

This is a full-time position with a pay range of $18.00-$21.00 per hour.

The CD Prevention Counselor is responsible for providing school-based crisis intervention, counseling (individual, family and group) and case management services to youth ages 12 to 20. The Counselor provides support for problem solving as well as information and referral services. S/he is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments with the student that may identify any issues related to substance use/abuse, problem gambling and other risk factors that inhibit healthy youth development. Based upon assessment, the Counselor will develop an Individual Service Plan with a youth that includes the direct services provided by the Counselor, school staff, as well as referral linkages to other community agencies and school services. The Counselor will work with faculty, staff and collaborative partner agencies to assure quality services are provided. The Counselor will attend school meetings, referral meetings, and when appropriate, school events. They will maintain a professional relationship with faculty, staff and partnering agencies. The Counselor will also coordinate and facilitate groups, workshops and trainings as needed and requested.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND EXAMPLE OF DUTIES (*Notes essential duties):

· Intake and Assessment*

· Individual and Family Counseling

· *Assessment of substance use/abuse, problem gambling and other risk factors

· Coordination and Facilitation of Groups and Workshops

· Crisis Intervention/Triage*

· Case Management*

· Agency Ambassador and Liaison at Referral Team Meetings, Partner Meetings, Open Houses, Health Fairs*

· Youth Advocacy*

· Outreach to School*

· Knowledge of school policies and procedures*

· Effective time management skills to meet job responsibilities*

· Accurate and timely case and program record keeping*

· Transportation for program participants when necessary and consistent with agency and school policy

· Other duties as assigned

EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES:

• Ability to provide a thorough/holistic assessment on youth seeking services.
• Basic knowledge of various counseling approaches and techniques including crisis intervention.
• Youth friendly.
• Knowledge of adolescent development and issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with youth and within the team, agency and with the collaborating skills.
• Effectively manage time to meet the job responsibilities.
• Ability to work and/or to be available for consultation after hours and on weekends when necessary or scheduled.
• Must have access to a vehicle and telephone and possess a valid Driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to our insurance carrier. In addition, must have the following automobile insurance: $100,00 per person/$300,000 per incident Bodily Injury and $50,000 Property Damage.

Candidates must possess significant knowledge of-

· Adolescent development including: positive youth development, asset development, risk reduction and protective factors

· Youth serving systems

· Community resources

· Client advocacy

CULTURAL COMPETENCY:

The Center delivers programs and services to youth and families across Monroe County who represent many racial, cultural and geographic groups. The Center ensures understanding and values differences in people of diverse cultures, ethnic origins, sexual orientations, disabilities and beliefs. All staff is required to attend cultural competency workshops and trainings and to continually enhance their own understanding of cultural diversity. The Center Performance Appraisal, administered annually, provides an opportunity for staff to evaluate how they are integrating culturally competent practices into everyday work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must be able to be autonomously mobile in providing easy access to services for youth: outreach into the community, in-home services to participants when required, on-site services at The Center House, out stationing into schools and other community locations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field required.

Note: A Master’s degree, CPP/ICSP/CASAC, advanced training in chemical dependency prevention-related areas is preferred.

COMPUTER SKILLS RECOMMENDED:

Microsoft Word- Intermediate

Internet Explorer- Basic

Microsoft Outlook- Intermediate

The Center for Youth provides equal opportunities for employment.