YOUTH COUNSELOR I -III $19.96-$34.14 HOURLY

Plus, Direct Care Pay & shift differential when applicable

Direct Care $.133/hr,2nd shift: $1.20/hr. and rotating, $1.50/hr. 3rd Shift Differential, & Weekend $2.00/hr.

• See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

This position offers a Trainee Status at a pay rate of $19.23 per hour; candidate must meet the minimum qualifications Youth Counselor I level within one (1) year of hire date

• The certification level identified by the DHHS Human Resource Office is based upon the minimum qualifications. Upon consideration of the applicants’ relevant work experience, interview, and the Supplemental Job Description, the DCYF hiring manager will determine the level a candidate will be hired at.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS : Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education. Please see Minimum Qualifications for specifics.
The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth, and Families has full time vacancies for Youth Counselor I-III.

SUMMARY:

Previewing the RJP is required in order to proceed with the hiring process. Please right click on the link and open in new window to view the realistic job preview. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/news-events/multimedia#real-job After viewing, please complete the required Disclosure Statement to submit with your application.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must successfully complete the Juvenile Justice Academy within twelve months of employment from date of hire as a Youth Counselor I.
Upon completion of the Juvenile Justice Academy, must attend 40 hours of in service training annually.

For promotion from Youth Counselor I to Youth Counselor II, in addition to the Special Requirements, must meet the following requirements prior to promotion:

• Must have successfully completed the formal mentoring program.
• Must receive a satisfactory performance evaluation and be free of any disciplinary action.
• Must have approval from Assistant House Leader, Treatment Coordinator and Residential/Clinical Administrator.
• Case records must all be complete and up to date as determined by the supervisor at the time of the annual performance evaluation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or technical institute with a study in sociology, psychology, human services, behavioral science, social work, education, liberal studies, theology, or criminal justice. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.
Experience: One year experience working in organized group activities such as camp counseling, Boy or Girl Scouting, school or church programs, coaching sports, working with mentally and physically challenged youths and adults in a school, daycare, hospital or correctional/rehabilitative setting or any similarly related experience. Each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
License/Certification: Valid New Hampshire driver’s license required if responsible for transporting residents/students.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must successfully complete the Juvenile Justice Academy within twelve months of employment from date of hire as a Youth Counselor II.
Upon completion of the Juvenile Justice Academy, must attend 40 hours of in service training annually.

For promotion from Youth Counselor II to Youth Counselor III, in addition to the Special Requirements, must meet the following requirements prior to promotion:

• Must have successfully completed the formal mentoring program.
• Must receive a satisfactory performance evaluation and be free of any disciplinary action.
• Must have approval from Assistant House Leader, Treatment Coordinator and Residential/Clinical Administrator.
• Case records must all be complete and up to date as determined by the supervisor at the time of the annual performance evaluation.

Case records must all be complete and up to date as determined by the supervisor at the time of the annual performance evaluation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or technical institute with a study in sociology, psychology, human services, behavioral science, social work, education, liberal studies, theology, or criminal justice. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.
Experience: Two years’ experience working in organized group activities such as camp counseling, Boy or Girl Scouting, school or church programs, coaching sports, working with mentally and physically challenged youths and adults in a school, daycare, hospital or correctional/rehabilitative setting or any similarly related experience. Each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
License/Certification: Valid New Hampshire driver’s license required if responsible for transporting residents/students.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must successfully complete the Juvenile Justice Academy within twelve months of employment from date of hire as a Youth Counselor III.
Upon completion of the Juvenile Justice Academy, must attend 40 hours of in service training annually.

YOUTH COUNSELOR II

Performs constant surveillance to ensure a safe and secure environment, free from assaults, escapes, attempted suicides, and other potentially dangerous or fatal situations. Inspects and searches residents and their living area for contraband and ensures protection of resident possessions or evidential material.
Demonstrates the ability to handle potentially volatile situations including suicide attempts, assaults, attempted escapes, etc. Physically subdues aggressive, and at times assaultive, residents within guidelines established by the Agency.
Organizes and supervises daily recreational, motivational and educational activities to encourage growth and development of residents. Monitors and documents residents’ behaviors for symptoms, side effects or any improvements while on psychotropic drugs or other medications.
Participates in the development and implementation of specific treatment plans geared toward residents’ individual needs. Under the supervision of a Youth Counselor III, conducts individual counseling and family sessions to achieve specific short and long-term objectives with a goal of rehabilitation and successful return to the community.
Pursues escaped/escaping residents (within the physical facility property located at 1056 N River Rd. Manchester, NH) with the intent to apprehend and return them to the Agency.
Communicates in a professional manner, both, verbally and in writing, with various outside agencies/individuals, such as court officials, JSO’s, families, medical and clinical personnel, law enforcement personnel, lawyers and residents. Demonstrates the ability to communicate in alternative methods for residents who may be cognitively impaired or have learning disabilities.
Develops and maintains case records which include treatment plans, Program Plan Reviews (PPR), parole reports, daily notes (e.g. individual, group and family session notes), and other required documents which become part of the residents’ permanent record. Responsible for writing Program Plan Reviews (PPR’s) incident reports, furlough reports, referrals, exit staffings’, and parole reports.
Conducts background checks for residents’ visitors (collateral contact) , conducts tours (e.g. Court ordered, judges, legislators, police trainees) of the institution, which could include a detailed explanation of individual building/unit missions.
Supervises residents to assist them in seeking employment, developing a resume, and accomplishing successful job interviews. Instructs youth in areas of community standards, independent living skills, and consumerism.
Operates and monitors surveillance and access control equipment in the Control Center and Operations Center of the architecturally secure facilities operated by the agency.
Supervises residents during off-site appointments.
Must perform accountabilities in accordance with established safety policies and procedures.
Communicates with supervisors regarding issues related to workplace safety.
May be directed to participate as a member of a crisis response team within the facility.

YOUTH COUNSELOR III

Performs constant surveillance to ensure a safe and secure environment free, from assaults, escapes, attempted suicides, and other potentially dangerous or fatal situations. Inspects and searches residents and their living area for contraband and ensures protection of resident possessions or evidential material.
Demonstrates the ability to handle potentially volatile situations including suicide attempts, assaults, attempted escapes, etc.
Organizes and supervises daily recreational, motivational and educational activities to encourage growth and development of residents. Physically subdues aggressive, and at times assaultive, residents within guidelines established by the Agency.
Develops and implements specific treatment plans geared toward residents’ individual needs. Develops and facilitates weekly therapeutic groups (e.g. “Cognitive Self Change”), and coordinates and conducts individual counseling and family sessions to achieve specific short and long term objectives with a goal of rehabilitation and successful return to the community.
Supervises, trains, supports and evaluates the work performance of subordinate Youth Counselors. Recommends personnel actions such as hiring or disciplinary measures.
Pursues escaped/escaping residents (within the physical facility property located at 1056 N River Rd. Manchester, NH) with the intent to apprehend and return them to the Agency.
Communicates in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing, with various outside agencies/individuals, such as court officials, JPPO’s, families, medical and clinical personnel, law enforcement personnel, lawyers and residents. Demonstrates the ability to communicate in alternative methods for residents who may be cognitively impaired or have learning disabilities.
Develops and maintains case records which include treatment plans, Program Plan Reviews (PPR), parole reports, daily notes (e.g. individual, group and family sessions notes), and other required documents which become part of the residents’ permanent record. Responsible for writing Program Plan Reviews (PPR’s) incident reports, furlough reports, referrals, exit staffings’, and parole reports.
Conducts background checks for residents’ visitors (collateral contacts), conducts tours (e.g. Court ordered, judges, legislators, police trainees) of the institution, which could include a detailed explanation of individual cottage/unit missions.
Operates and monitors surveillance and access control equipment in the Control Center and Operations Center of the architecturally secure facilities operated by the agency.
Supervises resident to assist them in seeking employment, developing a resume, and accomplishing successful job interviews. Instructs youth in areas of community standards, independent living skills, and consumerism.
Supervises residents during off-site appointments.
Must perform accountabilities in accordance with established safety policies and procedures.
Communicates with supervisors regarding issues related to workplace safety.
May be directed to participate as a member of a crisis response team within the facility.
Disclaimer Statement : The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.
For further information please contact Toby Archer, Administrator II TOBY.J.ARCHER@DHHS.NH.GOV , 603-496-8619.