Fred Finch Youth & Family Services is currently seeking dynamic and energetic youth counselors for our 12 bed residential group home In Oakland, CA. Fred Finch provides integrated, comprehensive and family-centered treatment to youth residing in congregate care. The Avalon program is a STRTP facility.
Youth Counselors provide direct supervision to residents in a fast-paced, dynamic milieu. The ideal candidates are eager to work directly with residents and provide engagement and interaction; act as a role model and caring adult to residents. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: observing and documenting youth activity, implementation of the daily schedule, provide de-escalation and crisis intervention if needed. Must attend all required trainings and staff meetings.

Ensure the safety of the residents at all times consistent with agency standards of supervision.
Assist the children in the performance of regular daily activities, including bed making, personal hygiene, room cleaning, and all other chores normally expected of children their ages.
Provide a caring, warm, consistent environment for the children through setting clear boundaries, supporting, encouraging, and giving verbal praise and acknowledgment to children for positive actions and decisions to help build self-esteem, age appropriate interpersonal skills, positive thinking, problem solving, proper language, coping skills, respect for others and self and brainstorming alternative, appropriate behaviors, etc.
Works closely and maintains consistent and appropriate communication with other staff
Maintains knowledge of each child's Target Behavior, Function of Behavior, and Therapeutic Behavioral Interventions
Maintains discipline and group control at all times and reports unresolved conflicts
Checks in with the children frequently to prevent crisis situations
High school diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor's Degree preferred, residential experience a plus. FFYC provides a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, PTO, sick time and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications:
Required
1. Education:
1.1. B.A. Arts/ Science Degree (preferred) or
1.2. High School Diploma/GED and one of the following:
1.3. Valid Child Development Teaching Permit or
1.4. Completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience work with youth or
1.5. Valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth or
1.6. 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 or
1.7. Previous employment as a staff or volunteer for a minimum of one (1) year at a group home or short-term residential therapeutic program or
1.8. Previous relevant experience as determined by CA's Department of Social Services to meet any of the above requirements. Please see http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/entres/pdf/CCR/STRTP_ILS.pdf for more information.
1.9. New Yosemite program only: a minimum of one (1) year providing direct care or supervision of youth.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of the developmental stages of the population served.
3. Demonstrated ability to utilize de-escalation techniques that align with the trauma informed care model as part of intervention strategy for working with participants in crisis who are responding to triggers/stressors and/or demonstrating early indicators of distress.
4. Demonstrated cultural responsiveness in working with diverse families and communities.
5. Clean driving record; current CA Driver's License required, or the ability to obtain within 10 days after hired.
6. Basic computer and keyboarding competence with the ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and/or competency with electronic clinical documentation systems.
Preferred
7. Four (4) years of work experience.
8. A minimum of one (1) year experience with program target population (Example: intellectually disabled, homeless, teens or young adults, emotionally disturbed).

9. A minimum of one (1) year experience with program modality (example: school-based, residential, mobile/community-based, assertive community treatment, wraparound, etc.


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