Youth Counselor

The Youth Counselor works to ensure that clients placed in Seneca’s foster care programs are successful in their placements by providing mental health counseling, crisis intervention, case management services and additional supports to children and families. The Youth Counselor is a member of a treatment team and provides services primarily in community and natural settings including, but not limited to family homes and schools. The Youth Counselor will meet with youth and families enrolled in Seneca’s Central Coast California Placement Program, primarily serving San Luis Obispo County and may include travel to Santa Barbara County.

Additionally, the Youth Counselor will assist in performing assessments of Resource Families for approval, according to RFA guidelines and the template provided by a county contract. The Youth Counselor will conduct the interviews with all members of the Resource Family home in accordance with current guidance. The Youth Counselor will support Resource Parents in meeting all requirements to complete the assessment.

“I’ve had the privilege to work directly with youth and families from my community whose resilience and inner strength motivates me to go above and beyond. I get to hang out with kids, hear their stories, and work to break the chain trauma with a strength-based approach. The functions of my job can be difficult at times; however, our core value of unconditional care truly shines through every level of this work, making those challenges minor in the grand scheme of things.”

– Seneca Employee

Seneca Family of Agencies is committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities a network of outstanding mental health, community-based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages people of color to apply. Our programs are deeply engaged in conversations and trainings on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in order to bring equity and justice to the youth and families we serve.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health interventions, skill building, crisis intervention, and case management services to support children and youth in their foster care placement.
• Support resource parents in the implementation of client goals and guide them in assisting client’s in developing new skills and behavioral responses.
• Support in the implementation of the client’s specific case plan including efforts related to family contact, visitation, and permanency planning.
• Assist with arrangements for transportation to necessary services and appointments.
• Assist with County efforts related to resource family approvals (RFA), recruitment and retention.
• Conduct joint and individual interviews of all household members for RFA approval.
• Complete reports within County or agency prescribed time frame, usually within 60 days from the date of referral.
• Maintain the accurate documentation to submit reports for supervisor review ahead enough to comply with any edits required before submitting to the county.
• Participate in all treatment reviews, program staff meetings, and Child and Family Team meetings when necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Experience working with children/youth and families with complex and enduring needs (preferred).
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population and workforce.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Strong organizational, communication, time management and writing skills.
• Valid California driver’s license and insurability by Seneca’s automobile insurance carrier.
• Clearance of TB test, fingerprinting clearances, and any other State/Federal licensing or certification requirements.
• Proof of Covid-19 fully vaccinated and boosted.

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Flexible schedule with ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

Benefits

• Starting at $18.25 per hour, and additional compensation provided upon passing bilingual language proficiency exam.
• Annual performance evaluations provide the potential for a generous salary increase each year..
• Mileage reimbursement..
• Comprehensive employee benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and chiropractic coverage, as well as partially paid premiums for dependents.
• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
• 4 weeks of flexible paid time off and 11 paid holidays.
• We provide a 403b retirement plan.
• Scholarship opportunities, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities.