Job Details

The Bridge Family Center is seeking a Full Time Youth Counselor to work in the West Hartford schools and community. The Youth Counselor provides mentoring and positive youth development groups to youth in office, school, and community settings. Works with the Youth Services Manager to oversee the West Hartford Teen Center. Maintains cooperative linkages with the local school system and other youth-serving organizations. Some evening and weekend program involvement required. This position requires work in and travel between the West Hartford schools. Agency vehicle may be available for use, but is not guaranteed as it is a shared vehicle. A valid driver's license/clean driving record and reliable transportation is required

The Bridge Family Center offers competitive pay and great benefits, including:

Full Time Employees:

Medical/Vision, Dental, Employer paid life insurance, Flexible Spending Plans, 403(b) with match, EAP, three (3) weeks of vacation to start (increasing annually for the first 5 years), paid sick time, personal time, diversity days, and 10 paid holidays. As a non-profit organization, we are also eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management

• Coordinate and facilitate positive youth development groups for youth.
• Provide mentoring for youth in West Hartford schools.
• Coordinate the activities of the West Hartford Teen Center, including some evening hours.
• Coordinate summer and vacation programming for involved youth. This includes off-site field trips/events and requires providing transportation for youth.
• Create and maintain a safe, supportive environment for youth.
• Create and maintain cooperative linkages with the West Hartford public and private schools, as well as with other youth-serving organizations.

Administrative/Staff Relationships

• Attend weekly team meetings and individual supervision with Clinical Director to discuss program activities and youth issues.
• Prepare regular statistical and narrative reports for submission to funding agencies in a timely fashion.

Public Relations

• Represent the Bridge and the Youth and Family Services Department at various community meetings and events, as assigned.
• Conduct outreach efforts to enhance community awareness and involvement of Bridge programs.
• Foster a positive working relationship with West Hartford public and private schools, as well as other youth-serving organizations.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field. Experience working with adolescents, particularly in groups. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. This position requires daily travel between Bridge offices and West Hartford Public Schools and/or community centers. There is also the potential for work in additional communities on an as-needed basis. Valid CT Driver's license and ability to travel between locations required, including a reliable form of transportation. Clean driving record in order to transport youth in agency provided vehicles, as well.

Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to organize responsibilities and function independently within program activities. Display a high energy level and positive attitude. Respond readily to changing conditions. Exercise effective group facilitation skills and techniques. Demonstrate positive rapport with youth, including ability to establish professional boundaries and limits. Exercise good judgment.