Residential Youth Counselor

Campus Mission

The mission of JCCA’s Pleasantville Cottage Campus is to transform lives by partnering with young people, families and communities to provide quality therapeutic services that foster safety, well-being, self-empowerment, permanency, and independence.

Objective

The Residential Youth Counselor (RYC) plays a key role in transforming the lives and futures of the young people who live on JCCA’s campus. The RYC builds positive and trusting relationships with youth, while keeping them safe and supported by their peers. An important member of the treatment team, the RYDS helps young people gain the skills they need to manage challenges, and collaborates with clinicians, colleagues, and families to foster an engaging and effective therapeutic environment.

With many opportunities for professional training and growth, this position is ideal for individuals seeking a comprehensive, foundational position in behavioral health, as well as for those with previous experience caring for youth in a residential setting.

Essential Tasks

• Supervise youth in cottages, during activities, and community outings
• Engage youth in meaningful therapeutic and recreational activities
• Meet the daily living needs of youth in assigned unit, including making sure they are appropriately dressed for school or other activities, supervising hygiene, serving meals, and keeping living areas tidy
• Teach and coach youth in order to encourage skill development and self-sufficiency in areas such as problem solving, emotional regulation, and habits like dressing and undressing, bathing, hygiene, and chores
• Model appropriate pro-social behavior (positive attitude, communication, and boundaries)
• Develop meaningful and healthy relationships with youth, focusing on their strengths and using positive praise to build skills, coping strategies, and self-esteem
• Promote an affirming, culturally-competent environment in which young people, their families, and campus staff feel welcomed, valued, and included
• Utilize the evidence-based models selected by JCCA to practice trauma-informed, skill-building approaches to caring for youth in a residential setting
• Use appropriate intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Perform physical restraints as required in exigent circumstances
• Accompany youth to/from recreational activities, appointments, and home visits
• Collaborate with colleagues, clinicians, and families in support of treatment goals
• Communicate with team regarding incidents, important events, and concerns
• Document progress toward treatment goals, and complete daily logs and incident reports
• Attend all briefings, treatment conferences, and trainings as scheduled

Other Requirements

• Valid New York State Driver’s License preferred
• High School Diploma (AA or BA preferred)
• Must pass background check and complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training