Runaway and Homeless Youth Counselor

JOB SUMMARY

Provides supportive, trauma-informed, wellness and empowerment services for program participants and their families. Assists with the coordination of activities and events to promote community engagement and support homeless students and their families to rebuild sustainable independence. This position will provide direct services to people of all ages, according to OCO’s service delivery standards in diverse locations, including the Oswego City School District, OCO offices, other agency offices, program sites, public places and the homes of consumers. Independently provides early intervention and care management services to homeless students and their families. Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program policies and procedures.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides crisis counseling, information, referrals, accompaniment, advocacy, and solution focused decision making for children, youth, and families as needed;
• Informs consumers of available services in the community and assists with the referral of primary and secondary consumers to services and monitors the provision of services to all consumers;
• Develops and maintains assessments, service plans and service coordination for participants, using strengths-based approach;
• Provide coaching of life skills, facilitates education and support groups as assigned;
• Provide interventions that promote positive relationships among participants, their families, and communities;
• Collaborates with community partners to develop and implement joint protocols in compliance with regulations and eligibility requirements;
• Helps plan and engages in activities and events to promote community-building, individual development and empowerment;
• Maintain proper documentation (record keeping, reports and statistical information) on a timely manner for all clients;
• Provide complete and accurate information about client outcomes and services in a timely manner.
• Develop and facilitate ongoing, training for program staff and community partners in specialized topic areas as assigned.
• Reviews service plans and provides casework support to direct service staff.
• Troubleshoots problems and roadblocks and works with program staff on resolution to provide quality services.
• Displays resourcefulness and flexibility in meeting the training and development needs of staff.
• Provides regular communication of pertinent information to employees, co-workers, supervisors and community partners.
• Facilitates and/or attends internal and external meetings as assigned.
• Carries out all duties in accordance with funding requirements, State and Federal Regulations.
• Acts in a Leadership role, represents the agency to community partners and oversees program specific functions, as assigned.
• Provides on-call crisis intervention and support back-up to staff as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated, resourceful, organized and adaptable in carrying out job duties.
• Must have the demonstrated ability to work with others in a warm, non-judgmental manner and be a positive role model
• Must be able to cooperatively plan with others and be creative in planning.
• Must exhibit professionalism, good judgment and flexibility.
• Must possess valid NYS Driver’s license and have access to registered, reliable vehicle for travel and transporting clients.
• Must have acceptable physical and mental health to carry out responsibilities of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, or Counseling and one year experience working with youth and families; or
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Service field with advance study in the field of Family Systems, Social Work or Counseling, and three years experience working with youth and families;

Level 6

37.5 Hours Per Week / 52 Weeks Per Year

Monday to Friday: 7:30am - 3:30pm

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.