Youth Counselor- Full Time

At Open Door Youth Services, our team strives to carry out our mission of responding to the needs and promoting the healthy development of vulnerable children and youth.  Open Door has been focused on our vision for over 40 years to create a better community for youth to thrive and we plan to continue for many more.

Youth Counselors play an incredibly important part on this team and within our Community.  As a Youth Counselor, you will have the opportunity to act as a mentor and to work directly with our youth to guide, teach and support them in their daily lives.  These opportunities involve overseeing on-campus activities, participating in outings, assisting with skills for independent living, and much more.  In this role, you provide them with more than just emotional support, you help us provide a safe and supportive environment that allows them to thrive. Youth in our program look up to you as a mentor and a leader.

Open Door Youth Services is a great organization for those with experience in the field, those who enjoy working with youth and/or those who are looking for a new opportunity to make a difference.  We provide flexible scheduling and hours and pride ourselves on dedication and longevity within our team.

In this role you will receive certifications and training that will increase your skill set in many areas relevant to human services.  Open Door recognizes the challenging work of Youth Counselors by providing additional supports to all staff through regular check-ins and ongoing self-care training.  All staff are eligible to enroll in free virtual telemedicine and mental health services through the Indiana Youth Worker Well-Being Project.

Starting Pay for Full-Time Youth Counselor is $37,979.70 per year, with many opportunities to grow with us and our partner organizations. Open Door is looking for a candidate to work evenings, Sunday-Thursday (4p-12a). All full-time employees receive a benefit package that includes: medical, dental, vision, pension, retirement and paid time off.

The ideal candidate will take pride in their work with the following responsibilities:

• Welcome and complete intakes for new residents, and discharge residents as outlined in policies and procedures.
• Get to know the lives and circumstances of our residents, and use this to build therapeutic, individualized relationships with residents.
• Interacts with residents, modeling and promoting positive, appropriate behavior and boundaries, occasionally with incentives as outlined in the organization phase system.
• Gains knowledge of the Trauma-Informed Treatment: Restorative Approach, to utilize with youth in day to day programming.
• Supervise and mentor residents in various situations and a variety of daily activities. This may include transportation to work, appointments, court hearings, etc.  Along with dispensing medication per Physician’s orders, assistance with skills for independent living, overseeing outings and especial activities and many more.
• Regularly and professionally complete documentation on each resident’s daily progress note, contacts with family and the staff log.
• Oversee and encourage resident’s contract with family including phone calls and personal visits
• Attend staff meetings and trainings and provide open communication and suggestions for improvements.
• Communicate regularly and openly with supervisors and fellow staff regarding policies, processes, residents’ behavior, etc.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with parents, other service providers, fellow staff, and other adults.

Candidate Requirements:

• Applicants must be 21 years old and must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
• Upon hire, candidates must complete employee file requirements (outlined by the Office Manager) and must obtain a CPR & First Aid Certification, which will both be provided by the organization.