Life Skills Counselor

Life Skills Counselor

Location: City of Harrisburg

The Organization:

Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a Trauma Informed / Healing centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development and cultural awareness into all aspects of our agency. We want our clients and staff to feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and be empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.

Why Should You Apply?

• An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
• Competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
• Enroll in our 401(k)-retirement plan and enjoy a company match to secure your financial future.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Take advantage of our pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
• Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team.
• Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth.

Essential Functions of the Life Skills Counselor:

• Successfully engage youth/client in developing and implementing their individual goal and/or transition plan using positive youth development, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate frameworks.
• A minimum of 50% of the working hours will be spent providing quality in-person goal planning, instruction and case management services according to youth's/client's identified level of service.
• Ensure up-to-date paper & electronic client records in compliance with program, county, state and federal regulations and private grant requirements as applicable.
• Maintain a caseload of 18-25 youth and ensure 17 hours per week of face2face client services are provided. (Case load may increase depending on staffing pattern).
• Complete all paperwork on a timely basis including intake, goal plans, case notes, quarterly reports, execute all required assessments.
• Meet with the youth/client according to program requirements to model and practice independent living skills with youth/client, including, but not limited to: academic and career planning, permanent relationships/mentoring, housing/household maintenance, priority setting, money management, and health and wellness.
• Represent the program and agency in a professional manner and maintain positive community relationships in a proactive manner.
• Be the primary liaison contact and provide regular ongoing case coordination with community contacts such as: referral/funding sources, children and youth agencies, landlords, probation, school personnel, employers, court and doctor's offices.
• Participate in on-call rotation as required by the program area or county requirements.
• Address and report any crisis or critical incident as defined by agency and/or county, state or federal regulations according to the agency's formalized practice and protocols.
• To attend both external and internal agency training and workshops; complete and pass all required training hours and annual training as set forth in the funder and licensing regulations.
• To participate in regularly scheduled supervision with your direct supervisor and be prepared to discuss youth, caseload, documentation, questions, concerns and general duties.

Minimal Qualifications for the Life Skills Counselor:

• Associates degree with case management experience with youth.
• Bachelor's degree (preferred).
• A mature individual with the ability to articulate and implement the philosophy of the Independent Living Program.
• Must possess sound judgement.

Physical Requirements of the Life Skills Counselor:

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. X Constantly.
• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds. X Occasionally.
• Moving from one worksite to another X Occasionally.
• Ability to navigate stairs. X Constantly.
  
  

**If eligible: Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off, 401k -6% match, Employer-paid clearances, physical, and training, Opportunities for Tuition reimbursement, Opportunities for licensure supervision hours for LCSW and LPC

Valley Youth House is more than a nonprofit organization. We’re a catalyst for youth to achieve their desired futures through genuine relationships that support families, ensure safe places, and build community connections. We partner with each young person we meet to help them create the best possible outcome for their unique situation.