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County of Santa Clara

Associate Residential Counselor - Department of Family and Children Services

Career Insights for Youth Counselor / Worker

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What they do

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.

$52,391 / year median in California

+12% projected growth

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Job Description

JOB Under immediate supervision, to learn and provide guidance, assistance, supervision and direction to youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs at a licensed facility providing twenty-four (24) hour residential care; and to perform basic functions for the care, nurturing, growth and development of those youth.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed. Learns to ensure youth have access to routine and developmentally appropriate experiences, including health, education, and social opportunities, consistent with the role of a caring, responsible adult; Learns to provide the primary support, guidance, and counseling of children in areas of personal hygiene, care of personal property and residential home, social skills, and general problem solving skills; Assists in developing, planning and implementing individual care plans for youth in their care; Assesses and evaluates each child's emotional, behavioral, and social functioning on a daily basis; Assists with planning and leading recreational activities that support treatment goals, build healthy relationships, foster a sense of belonging, and support emotional regulation; Assists in, and learns to lead, daily group therapy or psychoeducation sessions intended to build coping skills, improve interactions, foster pro-social behavior and support emotional well-being through developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed and relationally oriented counseling techniques; Provides support through individual rehabilitation sessions that support the child's care plan, self-image, and daily needs; Follows strength-based approaches to support youth to improve their behavioral and emotional functioning and reduce their reliance on maladaptive behavior through encouragement, consistency, and natural consequences aligned with treatment goals; Learns to provide support and guidance to youth in addressing substance use needs through counseling and psychoeducation, while promoting problem-solving skills, relapse prevention, and maintaining a substance free living environment; Collaborates with program staff to implement strategies to support youth in achieving their treatment, educational, and vocational goals; Collaborates with internal and external providers, to ensure transitions, services, and daily supports are youth-centered, timely, and aligned with care goals; Prepares necessary and assigned documentation such as resident files, incident reports, maintenance requests, daily logs, and billing-related documentation in accordance with regulatory and program standards; Assists in the routine organization, care, and maintenance of the residential facilities and property; Teaches, supports, and provides the development of daily living and independent living skills, including basic cooking, meal planning, grocery shopping, personal organization, household responsibilities, and other everyday tasks appropriate for youth's age and developmental level; Administers first aid and obtains medical care at a level commiserate with symptoms; Dispenses prescribed medication in accordance with the medical provider's instructions, under the guidance of a supervisor, lead or staff member in superior position, and ensures all medications are securely stored and accurately documented; Supervises and teaches personal hygiene for youth, as needed; Intervenes in crisis situations, typically in a supporting role, consistent with training and policy, with a focus on de-escalation, prioritization of safety, and the least restrictive interventions, while consulting with supervisory support; May transport children in county vehicles to and from outside appointments, school, activities, and events; Participates in meetings and in-service training related to assignment. May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required•; Performs other related duties, as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Work flexible and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; Bend, stretch, twist, and reach; Carry up to fifteen (15) pounds; Restrain children or youth for the safety and protection of themselves and others.