Job Descriptions:

Position Summary

Transitions Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services.

Position Summary

Transitions - Mental Health Association has an opening for a Residential Youth Counselor. Under the general direction of the Program Manager, the Residential Youth Counselor: 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. Treatment is rooted in the most current research on the neurobiology of human behavior and how developmental stress and trauma changes the brain and interrupts the formation of healthy attachments and relationships. The program’s philosophy is predicated on the concept that "changing behavior requires changing the brain". The program is centered on the principle that youth heal (and behavior changes) in the context of adults who are safe, regulated, predictable, empathic, and attuned. YTP is focused on how to create the conditions for the youth’s brain and body to restore as much calm and self-regulation as possible as the foundation for growth, learning and intrinsically motivated behavior change. 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. Working through ongoing relational ruptures and repairs create opportunities to learn how to build trust with adults—which is at the heart of how growth and change occurs at YTP. 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/ Salary

Full time, 40 hours per week, includes generous individual benefits package

Anticipated Hiring Wage $19.00 per hour

Position Range $19.00-$24.00 per hour

Schedule:

Mondays: 12:00pm-11:00pm when Staff Meeting, 3:00p-11:00p when no Staff Meeting

Tuesdays: 3:00pm-11:00pm

Wednesdays: 3:00pm-11:00pm

Thursdays: 2:00pm-10:00pm

Fridays: 7:00am-3:00pm, 8:00am-4:00pm when school is not in session

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. Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and oral/written communication skills. Well defined organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently and flexibly. Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision-making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure. Able to deal effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level. Must use reasonable precaution in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices while acting in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business. Conditions of employment include: Must be at least 21 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, 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. Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees. Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health. Comply with a T.B. skin test or chest x-ray indicating a negative tuberculosis result, a fit for duty health screen and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting. Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including booster, or request a medical exemption with a healthcare provider document advising against the vaccine OR an exemption based on a strongly held religious belief or practice per the California Department of Public Health. Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Keyword: Residential Youth Counselor, Full-time, San Luis Obispo

From: Transitions-Mental Health Association