Youth Counselor

Company Overview:

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in downtown Brooklyn.

Job Summary: The NSP and LSP placement programs are secure residential settings with 9 to 18 beds. They serve youth (residents) ages 11 to 21 who have been adjudicated juvenile delinquents and are placed under supervision to complete their sentence. The Youth Counselor is responsible for building positive relationships with the youth and ensuring their safety, care, supervision, and emotional support. The goal is to help each young person work toward becoming a productive member of society. This position involves direct physical intervention during emergencies, following agency safety protocols.

Job Responsibilities:

• Supervision & Safety

• Provide direct supervision of residents 24/7 and always know their whereabouts.

• Ensure compliance with daily routines, schedules, and program structure.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and secure environment throughout the residence.

• Use Safe Crisis Management (SCM) techniques and approved methods to manage behavior and respond to crises.

• Address and redirect negative behavior respectfully and appropriately.

• Uphold all ACS, OCFS, and agency regulations and safety standards.

• Resident Support & Care

• Support residents with daily living needs including hygiene, meals, clothing, and health.

• Accompany youth to school, appointments, court, and group activities.

• Provide individual and group counseling to residents.

• Assist with family engagement and development, including court-ordered visits (e.g., home visits, day passes, facility visits).

• Implement group and individual treatment plans using the Missouri approach (MYSI).

• Participate in and apply the Missouri approach to manage group dynamics and help youth engage in program work.

• Promote a positive peer culture and manage group interactions effectively.

• Program Participation & Communication

• Attend all required training, meetings, and conferences, mandated by ACS, OCFS, and the agency.

• Communicate regularly with supervisors, case planners, and team members about resident needs and concerns.

• Demonstrate commitment to the program’s mission by supporting a safe, caring, and therapeutic environment.

• Build and model healthy, respectful relationships with youth and coworkers.

• Documentation & Compliance

• Complete and submit all required documentation, including logs, incident reports, and behavior assessments.

• Maintain accurate records in line with agency and regulatory standards.

• Ensure proper use and supervision of agency supplies and equipment.

• Additional Duties

• Participate in planning and leading educational, recreational, and enrichment activities.

• Provide safe transportation for residents to court and other appointments.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma + 3 Years of Direct Services in Mental Health or Juvenile Justice Programming

• Associate’s degree + 2 Years of Direct Services in Mental Health or Juvenile Justice Programming Bachelor’s Degree + 1 Year of Direct Services in Mental Health or Juvenile Justice Programming

• Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

This position requires successful completion of Safe Crisis Management (SCM) training, which includes both a written assessment and a physical demonstration of restraint techniques, as outlined by the program and regulatory requirements. Ongoing employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all required SCM refresher courses. SCM training is provided by the organization.

Supervisory Responsibility

No

Work Environment:

Work locations are at an assigned juvenile justice facility throughout the five boroughs.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a 40-hour non-exempt position. Mandatory overtime is to be expected based on the needs of

the program on various shifts. This is not a work from home position. Staff are paid for 8 hours straight time and are expected to eat with residents during mealtime. Availability for any three shifts 7:30 am - 3:30 pm / 3:30 pm - 11:30 pm / 11:30 pm - 7:30 am. Some weekends will be required. Travel (if required): None- Program travel is only during program hours. Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform routine office and support tasks (e.g., using computers, phones, printers, and climbing stairs), and travel between Rising Ground sites. Must also be able to perform approved physical restraints with youth. Youth Counselor must possess the physical strength, stamina and agility to support weights equivalent or greater than their own body weight up to 250lbs. Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

It is the policy of Rising Ground that the Agency wholly complies with equal treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to an individual’s perceived or actual race, creed, color, national origin, alienate, citizenship status, gender, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or veteran status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.