Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” - Dalai Lama

The Youth Treatment Program (YTP) is a restorative, trauma-informed, residential treatment program for up to six SLO County Foster Youth. Residential Youth Counselors (RYC) provide 24/7, awake support in a home-like setting located in downtown San Luis Obispo. The program is centered on the principle that youth heal, and behavior changes, in the context of adults who are safe, regulated, predictable, empathic and attuned. YTP meets the residents where they are at, and operates through the lens that all behavior is an attempt to meet a need, while our job is to support them in having the capacity, safety and trust to learn and practice healthier and safer strategies to meet those needs. This trauma-informed approach concentrates on “connection before correction,” and strives to build a sense of alliance, rather than compliance with each youth – where youth are able to trust the care of adults and trust adults’ limits as care.

RYC’s responsibilities are to be present to engage, support and supervise the residents as well as carry out the program structure and schedule throughout each day. RYCs ensure that the program is a safe and healthy living environment by providing: empathic listening, active engagement in activities, supporting completion of activities of daily living, containing and de-escalating crisis, mediating conflict, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, assisting residents in learning how to trust adult care, building healthy relationships and assisting residents in utilizing community resources in order to return to a home based setting.

RYC’s enjoy opportunities to facilitate growth, increase safety and provide our residents with fun and normalcy through outings and activities such as: games, art, watching current teen TV hits, hikes, swimming, walking along the beach, shopping, bowling, ice cream, movies and more. We are looking for professionals who have a passion for building and contributing to a supportive and safe environment for residents and the team as a whole.

HOURS/ SALARY
Full time, 40 hours per week, includes a generous individual benefits package. Anticipated Hiring Wage is $22.00 per hour.
(*Full Salary Schedule $22.00-$25.00 per hour)

Schedule:
Mondays: 12:00pm-11:00pm when Staff Meeting, 3:00p-11:00p when no Staff Meeting
Tuesdays: 3:00pm-11:00pm
Wednesdays: 3:00pm-11:00pm
Thursdays: 2:00pm-10:00pm
Fridays: 7:00am-3:00pm, 8:00am-4:00pm when school is not in session

Experience and Skills:

Per California Care Licensing, must meet at minimum one of the requirements as listed below: Have a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Degree, Have a valid Child Development Teaching Permit, Completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth, A valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth, A valid vocational training certificate, credential, or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth as a mentor, athletic coach, teacher, vocational coach or tutor, Previously been employed as a full time staff or served as a volunteer at a group home, STRTP, or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year, Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice systems as a consumer, mentor or caregiver or other relevant experience. Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and oral/written communication skills. Well defined organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently and flexibly. Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision-making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure. Able to deal effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level. Must use reasonable precaution in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices while acting in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business. Conditions of employment include: Must be at least 21 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver’s License, reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, and DMV driving record that meets TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements. May be required to utilize personal vehicle and auto insurance. Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees. Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health. Comply with a T.B. skin test or chest x-ray indicating a negative tuberculosis result, a fit for duty health screen and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting. Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Benefits

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, LIFE, 403B Retirement with up to 5% match, PAID VACATION/HOLIDAY TIME, PAID SICK TIME