Bilingual Youth Counselor

Description

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Position Summary

The Youth Counselor plays a critical role in supporting the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic success of youth ages 10 to 19 who are experiencing challenges related to school discipline, family conflict, community violence, behavioral concerns, and other life stressors. Working within the IPS 54K program, the Youth Counselor provides individualized counseling, group interventions, case coordination, family engagement, and advocacy services designed to help participants build resilience, develop positive coping skills, improve decision-making, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate and culturally responsive professional with experience working with at-risk youth and families. This individual must be comfortable conducting counseling sessions, collaborating with schools and community partners, completing home and school visits, and maintaining detailed case documentation. Bilingual Spanish-speaking candidates are strongly encouraged, as this role requires regular engagement with diverse youth and families throughout the community.

Primary Responsibilities

Direct Youth Services

• Conduct evidence-based group sessions utilizing the Positive Action Curriculum and other approved interventions.
• Facilitate discussions and activities that address family dynamics, trauma, substance use, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and healthy decision-making.
• Provide bi-weekly individual counseling sessions for assigned youth to address their unique emotional, behavioral, educational, and social needs.
• Assist youth in identifying barriers to success and developing strategies to achieve personal, academic, and behavioral goals.
• Support youth through crisis situations and provide appropriate referrals to community resources when necessary.

Family Engagement & Community Outreach

• Engage parents, guardians, and family members in the counseling and service planning process.
• Conduct home visits to assess family needs, monitor progress, and strengthen family support systems.
• Attend school visits and collaborate with educators, counselors, and administrators to advocate for youth and support positive educational outcomes.
• Facilitate family engagement activities and participate in family-focused events designed to strengthen communication and support systems.
• Maintain ongoing communication with youth, families, schools, and other service providers.

Case Management & Service Planning

• Collaborate with Case Managers during intake and assessment processes conducted at program sites, schools, or participant homes.
• Develop and maintain Individual Service Plans (ISPs) that align with participant needs and program goals.
• Monitor participant progress toward service plan objectives and make recommendations for additional supports as needed.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case review meetings and collaborate with program staff to ensure a coordinated approach to service delivery.

Program Outcomes & Evaluation

• Conduct pre- and post-assessments to measure participant progress and program effectiveness.
• Track and contribute to program outcomes, including: 
  • Youth retention and successful program completion.
  • Improved social and emotional skills.
  • Reduced behavioral incidents and violent behaviors.
  • Improved school attendance and engagement.
  • Reduced substance use among participating youth.
  • Increased connection to supportive community resources.
  • Increased participation in workforce development and career readiness opportunities.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records for all assigned participants.
• Complete case notes, counseling documentation, service logs, assessments, attendance records, referral tracking, and progress reports.
• Utilize Microsoft Office applications and agency data systems to document services and monitor outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, funding requirements, confidentiality standards, and all applicable regulations.

Team Collaboration

• Attend monthly case review meetings, staff meetings, and supervision sessions.
• Collaborate with counselors, case managers, program staff, schools, and community partners to support youth success.
• Participate in agency events, outreach activities, strategic planning meetings, and community engagement initiatives.
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of annual professional development and training.
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