Youth Mental Health Counselor

Job SummaryTo serve as targeted support for youth in the care of Racine County in the form of assessment and counseling services. This position assists in creating a positive and trauma-informed environment that establishes a culture of trust, positive relationships, teamwork, and clear communication.

ResponsibilitiesProvide behavioral counseling and monitor the overall progress of youth.Provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for youth.Create healthy relationships with youth and engage with youth to help youth find solutions to their own challenges.Work with youth who have experienced trauma such as abuse or neglect to provide therapy to help in the development of coping skills and improvement of quality of life. Partner and participate in the creation of case plans that incorporate evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care and science-aligned principles. Reassess case plans to determine progress toward the plan goals. Conduct assessments and reassessments of mental health disorders and trauma among adolescents and age-appropriate interventions. Develop individualized mental health treatment plans for youth with identified mental health needs. Provide program staff with guidance, insight, and direction on managing and understanding the needs and behavior of the youth. Assess youth suicide risk and make recommendations for safety and to determine appropriate treatment options. Participate in aftercare planning to ensure that youth are able to continue making progress toward their goals. Provide crisis intervention services. Produce accurate and timely documentation and notifications regarding services to youth through the utilization of electronic case management software.Maintain knowledge of pertinent departmental, state, and federal policies, rules, and regulations.

QualificationsMaster’s Degree and Clinical Social Worker license (LCSW), Professional Counselor Training license (LPC-IT) or Professional Counselor license (LPC) is required.At least two years of post-graduate experience working with high-risk youth and families and seriously disturbed adolescents. Knowledge of the assessment of mental health disorders, trauma, and suicide risk among adolescents and age-appropriate interventions.Valid driver’s license. Personal automobile, if used for work-related travel, must be covered by an automobile insurance policy.Prompt and regular attendance.

Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesExcellent oral and written communication skills.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the agency, contracted partner agencies, other social service agencies, courts, schools, professionals, and the community.Ability to work with and understand the needs of a widely diverse client population including but not limited to people experiencing problems with abuse/neglect, AODA, mental illness, varied disabilities, parenting skills, self-esteem, problem solving skills, living arrangements, interpersonal relationships, economics and money management, self-care skills/limitations, mobility, education/training/employment.Ability to utilize motivational interviewing techniques.Ability to utilize effective time management and workload management techniques.Good understanding of child development.Knowledge of fundamental social work principles. Ability to work at a high level of efficiency with minimal direction.Punctual and possesses a great work ethic.