Shelter Youth Counselor - Kenmore (On Call)

The Shelter Youth Counselor (SYC) is a member of a treatment team that provides twenty-four hour care for up to five adolescent males (age 11-17) in a residential facility designated as a short term emergency shelter. The SYC functions as a counselor to all residents and is responsible for performing supervision and guidance tasks within the shelter setting and while on outings. A counselor/case manager conducts assessments and designs an individual plan for each youth, which the SYC will help to implement. The SYC will participate in implementing agency and shelter policies, and will ensure the safety and cleanliness of the facility.

This position is non-exempt from the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and the Washington Minimum Wage Act.

1. Treatment Tasks
   1. Maintain a favorable living and treatment environment in which the residents live by:
      1. Insuring that residents have a safe and clean place in which to live.
      2. Demonstrating to youth that they are respected and understood as individuals.
      3. Demonstrating to youth that people care about them and will take care of them.
      4. Demonstrating that adults can help them deal with unacceptable behavior without being punitive, retaliatory, rejecting.
      5. Demonstrating that youth will receive protection and guidance in controlling their impulses until their own controls are established.
      6. Providing youth help with their problems in the group, school, community, and with their families.
      7. Modeling appropriate behavior, language and attitudes.
   2. Participate in incorporating and supervising student interns and volunteers in performing program activities in cooperation with the volunteer coordinator.
   3. Model pleasant, positive attitude and disposition.
   4. Demonstrate self control in stressful situations.
   5. Use preventative as opposed to reactive floor management skills.
   6. Maintain appropriate physical structure and house schedule and safety.
   7. Remain visible and available to residents at all times.
   8. Assist in planning a wide range of recreational activities. Occasionally be available for extended recreational outings.
   9. Develop plan with residents for constructive use of free time.
2. Housekeeping Tasks
   1. Teach and supervise various chores, including meal set-up and clean-up, residence and grounds maintenance.
   2. Take initiative for and supervise residents in completing allowance chores and household tasks.
   3. Demonstrate concern and pride in the environment. Create a clean and pleasant surrounding. Encourage safe and careful treatment of all agency property.
   4. Take responsibility for reporting any damage to agency property and when appropriate, discipline for damage in accord with Friends of Youth policy.
   5. Maintain linen, toiletry and clothing items. Teach, encourage and model personal hygiene.
   6. Prepare meals and snacks as necessary. Require appropriate table behavior and conversation.
   7. Maintain prescribed medications in a secure area and dispense as instructed.
   8. Assist residents with school assignments, when necessary meet with teachers to review assignments and/or special instructions.
   9. Register residents in community school programs as necessary, arrange transportation, and monitor behavior, attendance and academic progress.
   10. Other duties, as assigned.
3. Monitoring Tasks
   1. Make every effort to protect and secure resident's property.
   2. Monitor residents' health, arrange medical appointments as assigned, transport to doctor as assigned.
   3. Monitor and document the whereabouts of all residents at all times.
   4. Report any known or suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect of residents in consultation with management to Child Protective Services.
   5. Monitor and assist Assistant Program Supervisor in training volunteers, interns and relief staff in the completion of their duties and service time.
4. Participate as a Member of the Treatment Team
   1. Assist in establishing treatment goals in various program areas consistent with agency policy, subject to review of Clinical Program Supervisor. Also, monitor performance in relation to the goals, providing feedback and modifying them as necessary.
   2. Read each treatment plan, become familiar with specific goals for each resident.
   3. Be familiar with both the agency treatment philosophy and program, as well as the individual treatment and goals for each resident.
   4. Attend and participate in staff meetings under the direction of the Program Supervisors.
   5. Provide transportation as necessary.
   6. Contribute to discussions, offer input and feedback concerning both residents and co-workers.
   7. Initiate conflict resolution.
   8. Display positive morale, speak positively and objectively about the program.
   9. Attend agency or professional training, seminars, or conferences to increase professional knowledge.
   10. Encourage the involvement of family members and support persons where appropriate.
5. Communicate Information in Verbal, Non-Verbal and Written Form and Maintain Required Forms and Records
   1. Provide objective descriptive narrative of behavior events.
   2. Understand and separate one's own belief and value system from interpretation on behavior and events.
   3. Be straight-forward and concise in communications.
   4. Show congruency between verbal and non-verbal messages.
   5. Maintain daily communication log, and milieu notes of behavior on each resident.
   6. Set up accounts, log entry, and disburse allowance and earnings funds for residents consistent with state and agency guidelines.
   7. Record medication receipts and disbursements.
   8. Record fund receipts and disbursements.
   9. Assist in yearly inventory.
   10. Complete incident reports per agency policy.
   11. Record meal counts at each meal.
   12. Complete other reports as requested by supervisor(s).
   13. Maintain vehicle mileage log.

1. Education and Experience
   1. A Bachelor of Arts Degree in the social sciences area is preferred.
   2. One year of experience in working with emotionally disturbed youth.
   3. Must have a valid Washington State driver's license or be able to obtain one by date of employment.
   4. Employees and volunteers who operate their own or Friends of Youth vehicles on Friends of Youth business must have a safe driving record as defined by Friends of Youth. Employees and volunteers who operate their own vehicle(s) on Friends of Youth business must carry auto liability insurance that complies with the requirements of Friends of Youth.
   5. Must have a Red Cross First Aid Card, CPR and Food Handlers permit, or be able to obtain one within thirty days of employment.
   6. Must pass TB screening.
   7. Must successfully pass criminal history check (WAC 388-148-0035).
   8. Education or experience in cultural competency.
2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
   1. Understand the dynamics of troubled youth and incorporate knowledge into daily interactions with youth.
   2. Ability to show tolerance and acceptance of youth.
   3. Understand nature of youth/adult relationship. Is comfortable with, and accepts role of authority.
   4. Good role model.
   5. Demonstrate control in stressful situations.
   6. Know personal stressors and weaknesses, and work to overcome them.
   7. Knowledge of relevant COA standards, or willingness to become familiar with them, and participation in a Performance and Quality Improvement process.
   8. Must demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences and a commitment to the value of cultural competency.

On Call

$11/hour

Emergency Shelter Program Manager

Kenmore

5/30/2008

Send resume and cover letter to:
alex@friendsofyouth.org

or mail to:
Alex Myrick, Program Manager Friends of Youth
16225 NE 87th St., Suite A-6
Redmond, WA 98052-3536

10/31/2007