<p>Position Summary</p> <p>The Community Care - Youth Development Counselor provides immediate, trauma-informed support during behavioral or emotional crises affecting youth within the RTC community. This role ensures safety and de-escalates high-stress situations by promoting consistent implementation of Individualized Crisis Support Plans (ICSPs).</p> <p>Key Responsibilities</p> <p>Crisis Response & Stabilization</p> <ul> <li>Respond to behavioral and emotional crises by supporting de-escalation, ensuring safety and facilitating post-incident reflection. </li><li>Stabilize individuals and environments, ensuring physical and emotional safety </li><li>Support re-entry into the program or setting after the crisis subsides </li><li>Assist with the supervision of youth during transition and mass movement around campus. </li><li>Conduct authorized searches in accordance with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations </li></ul> <p>Intervention Planning</p> <ul> <li>Assist in updating individualized crisis prevention and response plans </li><li>Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings to provide insight and feedback. </li><li>Recommend intervention strategies based on observations and incident trends </li></ul> <p>Documentation & Compliance</p> <ul> <li>Document critical incidents in accordance with agency, regulatory, and licensing requirements. </li><li>Monitor trends and provide summaries to leadership for review and analysis </li><li>Support mandated reporting and emergency response procedures </li></ul> <p>Training & Capacity Building</p> <ul> <li>Model effective de-escalation and intervention techniques from the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Model. </li><li>Support new hire and ongoing training efforts related to behavior management </li><li>Reinforce a culture of safety, respect, and accountability </li></ul> <p>Collaboration & Communication</p> <ul> <li>Participate in post-incident debriefs and process improvement efforts </li><li>Performs other functions as assigned </li></ul> <p>Minimum Requirements</p> <ul> <li>Valid NYS driver's license </li><li>High School Diploma or GED </li><li>Experience handling groups of children & teens, preferably in a residential setting. </li><li>Ability to participate in mandated initial TCI training during weekday evenings upon hire. </li><li>Fluent English reading, writing, speaking, computer skills necessary to record observations and monitor reports. </li></ul> <p>Special qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth in residential, behavioral health, or crisis response settings </li><li>Understanding of trauma-informed care, behavioral support strategies, and adolescent development </li><li>Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills </li><li>Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure </li><li>Proficient in electronic documentation systems and incident reporting </li></ul> <p>Work Conditions/Availability</p> <ul> <li>Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts as needed </li><li>Requires frequent movement between program locations and the ability to respond quickly in active situations </li><li>Regular exposure to high-stress scenarios and emotional intensity </li><li>Full-time positions are available. Positions require at least one weekend shift. </li></ul>