Transitional Counselors : Evening Shift 2PM - 10Pm and Overnight shift 9:30 PM - &:30 AM

Position Summary

Responsible for direct service to Transitional IDJJ Program youth in a residential setting. Transitional Counselors will work with youth to reduce verbal/physical aggression towards self/others, reduce criminal activity, increase compliance with societal and programmatic rules, reduce mental illness symptoms (and psychiatric hospitalizations), and increase empathetic understanding as evidenced by therapeutic compliance and participation in individual and group therapy. The overall goal is to maximize youth’s likelihood of successful transition to a less restrictive alternative and community re-integration

Essential Functions

• Follows all Maryville’s policies and procedures as well as all standard operating procedures for the Transitional IDJJ Program.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of restorative justice and implements those principles in daily interactions with youth in the Program.
• Supervises youth utilizing the principles of the ARC model of trauma-informed care.
• Guides youth in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems - teaching life skills, independent living skills and vocational and job readiness skills.
• Facilitates youth engagement in their treatment process, promoting positive attitudes, skills and coping mechanisms to encourage on-going recovery and community re-integration.
• Prepares all required treatment records and reports in a timely fashion (including but not limited to, Medicaid services in compliance with Rule 132 requirements, Unusual Incident Reports and program logs).
• Monitors youth’s self-administration of medication, as needed.
• Plans, organizes or leads structured programs of work, recreation or social activities for the youth.
• Performs crisis interventions with youth using Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques when required.
• Participates in individual and treatment team meetings and offers viable clinical input facilitating informed decisions concerning programming and client care.
• Fully understands treatment goals of the program and applies Maryville treatment paradigms, resources and materials to achieve positive client outcome.
• Possesses a valid Driver’s License in compliance with the driving standards as identified on Form CFS-671. Able to drive a passenger van and transport youth
• Performs other duties / functions as requested by supervisory personnel.
  
  

Education/Experience

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field, preferred
• OR Bachelor's degree in one of the fields referenced in Rule 132 or any other field with 2 years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting.
• OR High School Diploma with minimum of 5 years work with children with behavioral and mental health issues.
  
  

Skills /Knowledge

• Successful completion of all staff education requirements including:
  
  

Pre-Service training, training in NCI and CPR, and Maryville Model of Care;

• Ability to maintain healthy and appropriate treatment boundaries;
• Ability to monitor safety, demonstrate group management skills and effectively deescalate potentially volatile situations
• Facilitates group counselling/ skills training sessions assisting youth in skill development in specific target areas as outlined in the treatment plan
• Minimum of 20 hours advanced training/workshops on an annual basis;
• Must possess the ability to interact professionally and work effectively as a treatment team member;
• Utilization of computer for program documentation and communication needs
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing), with Maryville youth, supervisors, coworkers, subordinates, and support agencies.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Required to sit, stand, walk, bend, and drive for extended periods of time. Ability to walk up and down stairs;
• Required to lift/move objects and/or youth weighing in excess of 40 pounds;
• Must possess ability to provide physical restraint to youth as needed;
• Must have the visual, hearing, and learning capabilities sufficient to perform the essential job functions defined above.
  
  

Environment And Scheduling

• Will perform work in, and in association with, Maryville program settings, including but not limited to schools, recreational facilities, court rooms, hospitals, correctional/detention institutions, and various community settings;
• Duties involve contact with youth who may be hostile, dangerous, threatening, aggressive, suicidal and/or under the influence of drugs and alcohol;
• Must be flexible in scheduling and willing to work evening and weekend shifts.