Posting: FT - Life Skills Counselor AAI ($21.60hr - $24hr)
Location: Bethlehem
The youth in the program are either currently in foster care or have been at some point, they can reside throughout the Lehigh Valley, Carbon County, and other surrounding counties. There is a lot of driving involved in this position. The Carbon County Life Skills Counselor will be the primary liaison between VYH and Carbon County Children and Youth, and will work closely with the Carbon County Caseworkers while working with their assigned youth. This LSC will primarily work out of the VYH office in Bethlehem, they will also work out of the Carbon County Children and Youth Office to maintain collaboration and communication with the caseworkers.
The Organization:
Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a Trauma Informed / Healing centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development and cultural awareness into all aspects of our agency. We want our clients and staff to feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and be empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.
Why Should You Apply?
- An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
- Competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
- Enroll in our 401(k)-retirement plan and enjoy a company match to secure your financial future.
- Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
- Take advantage of our pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
- Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
- Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team
- Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth.
Essential Functions of the Life Skills Counselor:
- Successfully engage youth/client in developing and implementing their individual goal and/or transition plan using positive youth development, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate frameworks.
- To provide 17 hours per week of direct service to program youth.
- Ensure up-to-date paper & electronic client records in compliance with program, county, state and federal regulations and private grant requirements as applicable.
- Facilitate life skills/experiential groups, as assigned, that are educational, restorative, creative, and interactive. When not facilitating, perform supportive responsibilities as a role model and to provide a safe learning environment.
Minimum Qualifications of the Life Skills Counselor:
- High School Diploma.
- At least one year working with teens and/or families.
Preferred Qualifications of the Life Skills Counselor:
- Bachelor's Degree in human services field preferred, relevant skills and work experience accepted
- At least 1 year working with teens and/or families, and group facilitation experience preferred
- Driver's License Required
Physical Requirements:
- Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing *Occasionally
- Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds *Often
- Moving from one worksite to another *Often
- Ability to walk and climb stairs - Visiting clients' homes, placements, and apartments may require walking and navigating stairs, so individuals should be capable of doing so comfortably and safely *Often
**If eligible: Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off, 401k -6% match, Employer-paid clearances, physical and training, Opportunities for Tuition reimbursement
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