Shelter Care Counselors (Berks County Youth Center)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide the residents in the Berks County Youth Center Shelter Program with ongoing care while attempting to understand their situation.  Responsible for maintaining the atmosphere of security and safety, which will be accomplished through continued training and interaction with other social service agencies.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Direct supervision of all aspects of resident’s daily activities and scheduled programming.
• Oversight of resident’s compliance with facility policies, procedures, and practices. 
• Mentoring, coaching, and counseling residents. 
• Planning for and conducting activities with residents.
• Compiling daily statistical logs and report writing.
• Provides care for residents within a minimum secure, residential environment.
• Always maintains behavioral security of all residents.
• Always supervises and interacts with the residents.
• Maintains a courteous, respectful, and professional demeanor and atmosphere always.
• Acts as a role model.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate’s degree or credit hours from an accredited college towards an Associates. 
• Two (2) years of professional experience working in a residential/correctional setting.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of PA 3800 Regulations and the program’s SOP (Standard Operating Procedure).
• Working knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in a residential facility.
• Working knowledge of the social and cultural factors that result in institutionalization and the attitudes and group habits of juveniles in a residential placement.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and general use of computers.
• Ability to supervise all the activities of all residents.
• Ability to interact well with juveniles in normal and emotionally charged situations in a controlled professional manner. 
• Ability to keep simple records, prepare progress reports, and perform related clerical tasks.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must pass a physical and drug screen.
• Must complete and maintain the following: PA Child Abuse Clearance, PA State Police Record Check, Federal Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse and Report Abuse Training Certificate, and Staff Health Statement.
• Must have a valid PA Driver’s License and must maintain a good driving record.
• Must complete all annual training successfully.
• Complete and maintain all program training requirements.
• Working knowledge of County, State, and Federal procedures, and mandates.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, residents, instructors, community partners, and the public.
• Ability to exercise discretion, judgment, and confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of departmental information and files.
• Ability to ensure compliance with related County policies and procedures and safety standards throughout department work areas.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with individuals who are physically, emotionally, socially, and educationally challenged.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Ability to plan, organize work, and prepare adequate records, and reports.
• Responsible for maintaining and organizing a clean and tidy work area.
• Cleaning/housekeeping duties and other duties as assigned.
• Ability to deal with stressful situations.
• Physical presence in the facility is required.
• All other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to physically restrain residents of all ages.
• Ability to run, bend, lift, push, pull (50lbs.) and carry (50lbs.)
• Long periods of sitting and standing.
• Ability to stay awake and alert for up to sixteen hours.
• Ability to work mandated overtime up to sixteen hours.
• Position requires the ability to respond to emergencies that may require the need to participate in the physical intervention of a resident. Must pass SCM (Safe Crisis Management) training.
• Ability to deal with stressful situations.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. 
• Work involves frequent walking, talking, hearing, and touching.  Vision abilities are required for this job including close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 
• The employee is required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds at a distance of 50 feet or less.
• Perform and complete CPR training. Must be maintained on an annual basis.
• Use stairs in a multi-leveled building. Must be able to climb at least 2 to 3 flights of stairs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Duties encompass indoor and outdoor activities, which leads to extremes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation.
• Due to the emotional status of residents, the environment can become tense and there is always a possibility of dealing with suicidal and violent behavior.
• Possibility of exposure to contagious diseases, bodily fluids, and violent situations.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud when in the field.
• Risk of personal safety
• Health risk factors.
• Work is conducted with potential exposure to emotional and physical assault.
• Work is performed under strict adherence to laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.