The Programs:
YWCA Sojourner's Shelter for Homeless Women & Families provides emergency shelter and supportive services around the clock, every day of the year for homeless single women, women with children, and men with custody of their children, and intact families. This 75-bed facility offers a secure, healthy environment with crisis intervention, case management, and counseling to help individuals achieve long-term self-sufficiency. We maintain a successful recidivism rate of about five (5) percent annually, well below the national average of individuals returning to shelters. Children's programs include computer and art classes, tutoring, drug-free education, supportive counseling, and field trips. Recovering from and preventing future homelessness is our goal for all who take shelter with us. The Position:
The Children's Counselor under the direction of the Program Director will lead the Children's Education and Enrichment/Homeless Outreach Program (CHOP). They will develop, implement, and evaluate the programs participating in children's educational and enrichment progress. The Children's Counselor will also provide brief counseling, referrals, and linkage to community services and support to children with Serious Emotional Disturbance and assist their families who are experiencing homelessness, residing in our Sojourner's Homeless Shelter.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. Minimum 2 years of experience in supportive counseling and interventions. Additional Requisites: Develop, implement, and monitor educational programming. Excellent classroom organizational and management skills. Knowledge of the homeless population specifically as it relates to children/youth. Strong communication skills oral and written. Work effectively with diverse groups, participants, and staff. Experience with childhood diagnoses, developmental stages, and treatment planning. Supervisory and management skills. Knowledge of community resources and the ability to work collaboratively with other agencies. Ability to assist in training and coordination of a statewide project. Ability to work independently. Possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Work: around moderate noise, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and lift or carry up to 10 lbs. Must pass a criminal background check. Responsibilities: Commitment to following the YWCA of Charleston Employee Handbook as well as the Rules, Procedures, and Protocols governing the YWCA Sojourner's Shelter Program including maintaining professional boundaries with staff, clients, and residents. Supervise program participants and staff who assist with program activities. Provide oversight, guidance, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Children's Education and Enrichment Program (CHOP). Provide support to families and their children experiencing homelessness residing in a shelter who are with or at risk of serious emotional disturbance (SED) Provide crisis intervention, case management, brief supportive counseling, advocacy, linkage, and referral to community services. Identify specific training needs and provide opportunities for training to workgroup members within the eight DHHR homeless shelters and other supportive services statewide. Coordinate and ensure staff are trained in specialized intervention and evidence-based programs such as Second Step and Parenting 1,2,3, Magic, and other required training. Encourage and engage parental involvement in resiliency-building activities with their children. Oversee the after-school program and guide co-workers, parents, students, and volunteers for successful outcomes. Work closely with our School Homeless Facilitator/Liaison, network, and coordinate services with the WV Home Visitation Program (WVHVP), other social services agencies, schools, and other local and statewide providers of the Children's Program. Maintain accurate records, oversee the collection of statistical information, and completion of required monthly reports. Work flexible hours to meet the needs of the children and youth activity programs. Conduct weekly meetings with children's staff, parents, and volunteers as appropriate for "Thinking outside the box" and program growth. Effectively work with children and youth utilizing an evidenced-based program to achieve specific goals and objectives and make appropriate treatment/social service referrals. Encourage parental involvement beyond initial interventions. Attend meetings and training as required. Perform site visits at least once a year to the seven agencies throughout the state and conduct (CHOP) conference call meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month and provide guidance. Ability to adhere to policies and procedures for operating a YWCA vehicle. Maintain licensure and position-specific certifications. Other duties, as assigned. A complete job description is provided at the time of the interview.
Why Should You Apply? You want to make a difference and see positive change in a person's life! You are passionate about helping people become empowered to be self-sufficient! You are a critical thinker willing to think outside the preverbal box! You want to be part of a team that collaborates for the greater good of an individual and the organization! Compensation: $16.00 to $18.00 Hourly.
About YWCA Charleston: The YWCA Charleston has been fostering self-sufficiency and independence. Originally designed as safe lodging for young women from rural communities coming to Charleston to pursue careers, the YWCA has evolved into the city's most diverse and comprehensive network of social service programs. YWCA programs, facilities, and services assist more than 5,000 individuals each year.
