Residential Youth Counselor, Part-time, San Luis Obispo

Transitions - Mental Health Association has an opening for a Residential Youth Counselor (RYC). Under the general direction of the Program Manager, the RYC: supervises residents at all times, ensures a safe and healthy living environment, performs moderate household maintenance; provides empathic listening and active engagement in activities, as well as contains, de-escalates and mediates conflict; sets healthy and clear boundaries; facilitates structured support groups, and assists residents in learning how to trust adult care and build healthy relationships; assists youth in utilizing community resources in order to return to stable living within the community.

YTP is a restorative, trauma-informed treatment program. YTP staff members are trained to work with these youth to find effective ways for them to meet their needs for physical and emotional safety. "Repairs" or "Restorative tasks" are opportunities for the youth to learn new skills and change their neurobiology within the context of healthy adult relationships. This restorative, trauma-informed approach concentrates on "connection before correction" and strives to build a sense of alliance (rather than compliance) with each youth—where youth are able to trust the care of adults and also trust adults’ limits as care.

Hours

Part-time; 24 set hours each week, ability to pick up an extra shift occasionally based on program need.

Set Weekly Schedule: FRIDAYS: 3pm-11pm, SATURDAYS: 3pm-11pm and SUNDAYS: 3pm-11pm
Required Experience:

Per California Care Licensing, must meet at minimum one of the requirements as listed below:

• Have a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree
• Have a valid Child Development Teaching Permit
• Completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• A valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth
• A valid vocational training certificate, credential, or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth as a mentor, athletic coach, teacher, vocational coach or tutor
• Previously been employed as a full time staff or served as a volunteer at a group home, STRTP, or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year
• Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice systems as a consumer, mentor or caregiver or other relevant experience

Must have strong interpersonal skills and oral/written communication skills. Conditions of employment include: must be at least 21 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, minimum of 2 years driving experience, reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, and DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements. May be required to utilize personal vehicle and auto insurance. At the time of hire, other conditions of employment are to comply with a T.B. skin test or chest x-ray indicating a negative tuberculosis result, and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting. Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or request an exemption based on a documented medical condition advising against the vaccine or a strongly held religious belief or practice. Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.
From: Transitions-Mental Health Association