Eckerd is a drug-free workplace and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Disability/Vets employer. Eckerd utilizes E-verify to confirm employment eligibility.

 

Job Title:  Senior Counselor/Teacher, NC

Location:  Boomer Short-Term Residential - Boomer, NC 28606 US (Primary)

Education:  Bachelor's Degree

Career Level:  Professional (Non-Mgr)

Category:  Operations

Job Type:  Full-time (30+ hours)

Schedule:  varied schedule

Job Description

Position Concept: 
A positive, supportive role model for both Youth Counselor Teacher (s) and clients; position guides and influences group activities on a consistent basis that enhances the youth's confidence and self-esteem. Senior Youth Counselor/Teachers ensure the progress and welfare of each client and the group through therapeutic and educational programs.  Responsible for staff secure supervision during the morning and evenings.  Responsible for delivering the Botvin LifeSkills® training curricula to clients. 
  
Essential Functions: 

• Leadership and mentoring role amongst direct care staff in delivery of program and educational activities.
• Train direct care staff as designated by the Director of Programming on program delivery including implementation of evidenced based practices such as Botvin Life Skills, Forward Thinking curriculum and restorative justice. 
• Contribute to the educational development of clients; duties include, but not limited to teaching, tutoring, instructing, or lecturing to impart knowledge on variety of subjects and activities at program
• Lead group of youth through a variety of daily activities while providing group and individual counseling, with an emphasis on strength-based development; Maintain a high standard of successful role modeling for youth that reflects enthusiasm, creativity, flexibility and activities that are educational and engaging.
• Responsible for the overall supervision of clients to ensure the safety and security of all youth and staff.  This supervision includes working at a minimum a 4-day, 16-hour per day shift.
• Support the educational staff while youth attend the on-site school each day. Monitor youth behavior and ensure environment is conducive to learning.
• Deliver the Botvin LifeSkills® training curricula  as designated by the Director of Programming
• Implement the Change curriculum with youth employing interactive journaling to encourages youth to internalize or “try on” new knowledge.
• Involve the youth group in developing total plans and activities for each individual and the group
• Ensure balanced activities for all levels of involvement of youth based on capabilities
• Ensure successful development of the youth through rational living cognitive behavioral therapy to help youth define their life goals and then help them achieve those goals—pointing out thinking errors and faulty cognitions along the way.
• Provide feedback, growth experiences, and recognition for youth to enhance confidence and self-esteem
• Develop and participate in planned trips and activities as required to ensure progress of the youth.
• Participate in staffing meetings with Group Managers, Director of Programming, Educational Administrator and others.
• Submit written evaluations as scheduled on all individuals and groups ensuring documentation and communication is shared at all levels of program involvement
• Implement individual service plans as specified by primary staffing teams
• Demonstrate both sensitivity and responsiveness to the cultural differences within the client population
• May oversee in the self administration of medications required by youth in care pursuant to Eckerd policy on Medication Administration and appropriate training 

Job Requirements

Education –Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral services, or outdoor recreation specialties required. Will be required to obtain certification as a certified cognitive behavioral group facilitator within one year of employment.
Experience – A minimum of one year of direct child care in a therapeutic/rehabilitative setting required.  Experience in outdoor recreation preferred.
Skills – Group leadership, communication, self-motivated, level headed, objective, flexible. Knowledge of group dynamics and experiential education preferred.  Ability to complete job-related training and have satisfactory evaluation at conclusion of 90 day probationary period. 
Physical Demands – Ability to travel about property, through wilderness terrain.  Must be able to pass evaluation of crisis intervention/physical restraint techniques and written certification exam, and use approved techniques as needed.  Must be able to participate in aquatic activities. Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time.  Constant exposure to outdoors and/or weather conditions.  Must have near and far visual acuity, any deficiencies of which must be able to be mitigated with corrective lenses.  Responsible for the overall supervision and safety of clients.  Supervision may include working a minimum shift of 5 concurrent 24 hour periods.  Ability to frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds.  Ability to transport clients and staff. 
Other – Valid and appropriate driver’s license or state identification is required.  Position may require incumbent to drive.  Employee must obtain valid driver’s license or state identification in the state in which they are employed within 90 days of hire.  Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. ("Eckerd") considers all applicant's for employment  without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national  origin, age, handicap or disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special-disabled veteran in accordance with federal law.