A Youth Counselor or Worker works with young people, primarily ages 13-18, to provide mentoring and support for dealing with problems. Works in a school or community-based program; may assist with referrals from parole or probation offices. Collaborates with teachers, family members, social workers and health care professionals to help young people facing challenges or crises.
Job Summary Life Skills Coach I works in collaboration with Case Managers to support program participants in developing independent living skills while maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive housing environment. The primary responsibility is to proactively identify, address, and accurately document minor and major incidents and concerns of participants and/or the housing complex where they reside, ensuring resident safety, compliance, and continuity of care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Weekend Priority:
Incident Identification & Documentation Conduct regular welfare and safety checks of all units and common areas during weekend shifts. Identify and respond to minor incidents (e.g., conflicts, policy violations, maintenance concerns) and major incidents (e.g., safety threats, behavioral crises, property damage). Complete timely, objective, and through incident reports in accordance with agency and licensing standards. Escalate urgent concerns to on-call supervisors or emergency services as needed. Communicate incidents and follow-up needs clearly to weekday staff during shift handoff. Lif Skills & Resident Support Support residents in practicing daily living skills, budgeting, hygiene, meal planning, conflict resolution, and time management. Encourage progress toward individualized goals and transition plans using trauma-informed, youth-centered approaches. Model positive behavior, healthy boundaries, and pro-social decision-making. Community & Compliance Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming living environment. Uphold all program policies, leave, state regulations, and confidentiality standards. Participate in required training, team meetings, and supervision
Requirements:
Education and/or Experience & Background Check Must be a minimum of 21 years of age. Meets Valley Teen Ranch employment criteria, including one of the following: o BA/BS degree, or o 12+ units in relevant fields + 100 hours youth experience, or o Valid counseling/vocational credential + 100 hours youth experience, or o 1 + year group home/STRTPC experience o Must pass background check, including DOJ/FBI and Child Abuse Index o No child abuse record or allegation. Valid CA driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
Clear background check:
VTR employment standards. Preferred Experience with foster youth, transitional housing, or supportive serves. Strong documentation and communication skills. Ability to remain calm and solution-focused during crisis. Work Schedule Primarily weekend shifts (e.g., Friday-Saturday or Saturday-Sunday), with weekday scheduled based on employment status (Full-time or Part-time); flexibility for holidays or special programming as needed.
