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WOW Counselor II_ Kansas City

About Our Organization

Youth Guidance creates and implements school-based programs that enable children to overcome obstacles, focus on their education, and ultimately, to succeed in school and in life. We believe that no matter what challenges a young person faces, they are more likely to succeed when they have caring adults in their lives. Our highly trained staff guides kids to overcome the life and academic challenges facing the youth. We meet kids where they are — physically and emotionally — to help them focus on their education, make positive choices, and remain on the right path toward life success.

Founded in 1924 and celebrating 100 years of impact this year, Youth Guidance is a leading provider of outcomes-driven programs serving more than 18,000 youth around the country. For more information, visit www.youth-guidance.org.

Position Summary:

Providing school-based group support and direct service to youth in 6th-12th grades to ensure they develop responsible decision-making skills, self-awareness, emotion management, self-acceptance, healthy relationships, and social awareness. The WOW Counselor will use their clinical expertise and youth engagement skills to empower youth to become positive, successful members in school and life.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Work in collaboration with Program Supervisor, Curriculum Specialist, and school administration to identify, recruit and build relationships with up to 55 school- based youth to participate in the WOW.
Facilitate 4-5 weekly group counseling sessions utilizing the WOW curriculum, youth engagement, and clinical counseling, during the school day
Participate in individual and group clinical supervision, case consultation, and fidelity coaching.
Provide clinical assessments and psychosocial intakes as appropriate to support students’ social-emotional development.
Provide individualized support to all WOW participants, and provide individual, family, and crisis counseling sessions to students on an as-needed basis.
Document all interactions with youth, including group and individual case notes, clinical assessments, brief encounters, special events, program consents, pre/post surveys, and monthly program narratives based on program protocol. (within 24 hours)
Perform weekly required documentation and special administrative assignments
Participate in monthly staff development training and team meetings on the evidence-based WOW curriculum and other topics relevant to working with youth.
Provide all necessary functions to develop the WOW program using teacher trainings and school in service presentations
Document all interactions with youth, including group and individual case notes, clinical assessments, brief encounters, special events, program consents, pre/post surveys, and monthly program narratives based on program protocol.
Work jointly with the Program Supervisor to manage an annual program budget to plan and execute field trips and special events for students throughout the school year and summer.
Collaborate with school administration, teachers, and other Youth Guidance programs to provide, and participate in professional development sessions.
Collaborate and/or coordinate services with the Local School Council, Youth Guidance Parent Family Engagement team, and school-parent engagement team.
Collaborate with School Counselors, Parent Programs, Behavioral Intervention Team
Perform public relations assignments as requested
Other duties assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Experience/Training

Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related human service field from an approved accredited university is required
A Master’s Degree in social work, counseling, or a related human service field from an approved accredited university and one year of youth engagement experience preferred
Two years of experience facilitating groups.
Experience in Clinical and Youth Engagement
Experience working with trauma-informed services and frameworks.
Experience working in schools or youth-related systems, ie DCFS, juvenile detention, mental health facilities
Bilingual/Spanish preferred, but not required

Core Competencies

Communication: Uses effective written and oral communication with internal staff, teams, and community served; demonstrates empathy and listening
Client orientation: Recognizes needs of diverse stakeholders and approaches relationships with a service orientation, to ultimately maximize the impact
Equity mindset: Understands and is committed to goals of equity, consistently brings an equity mindset to the organization’s work and workplace
Growth mindset: Views growth as important for personal and professional development; seeks out opportunities to expand skills, even if the change is required, demonstrates curiosity and eagerness to learn
Ownership and quality of work: Effectively manages own work, and work of the team to ensure delivery of high-quality work
Supervisory skills: Effectively manages and develops others
Mission drive: Demonstrates commitment to the missing of the organization as a whole and alignment with organization values

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job operates in a professional office environment, school setting, and working with the public
Occasional local travel

Benefits

Youth Guidance offers a competitive benefit package for eligible full-time employees including the option to participate in medical, dental, and vision plans as well as short-term disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, pet insurance, 401k, a wellness program and more. You may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

Our Values

At Youth Guidance, we believe that creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected is fundamental to realizing our vision of bright and successful futures for all young people. We acknowledge that many systems and institutions intended to support youth do not provide fair treatment or access for everyone. We strive to celebrate the unique qualities of youth and recognize them as empowered leaders, problem-solvers, and experts of their own experiences.

Youth Guidance is an equal opportunity employer. Youth Guidance does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law and is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.