Assigned To: Youth Services Department
Reports To: Director of Youth Counseling Center
Hours /Work Week: 35 Hours, Monday - Friday
Grade/Rate: 8; $39.45 hr.
Union: UPSEU Local 424
Distinguishing Features of the Position
This work involves responsibility for providing counseling, referral and supportive services to the youth community on a town-wide basis. Work involves assisting the Director in the planning, development and implementation of approved programs and activities geared toward the involvement of youth. This class requires thorough training in the field of counseling, social work or allied fields, with specialized experience in youth services.
Typical Work Activities:
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Visits public schools on a regular schedule and meets with students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, family, attendance, substance use, school adjustments, or other related concerns.
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Provides individual counseling, supportive services and case management services to youth at schools and the Youth Service office.
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Meets with and advises parents, guardians, families, school personnel, and other service providers regarding youth related concerns.
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Collaborates with school staff, community agencies, and service providers to develop strategies and interventions that support youth success.
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Conducts assessments and assists in developing intervention plans to address identified youth and family needs.
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Provides crisis intervention, assessment, support and referral services to youth and families as needed.
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Maintains accurate case documentations, service records, case histories, data entry, and required state, municipal and departmental reports.
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Assists with program data collection, outcome tracking, grant reporting, and evaluation activities.
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Participates in prevention, outreach, educational, and community engagement initiatives related to youth wellness and development.
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Assists youth and families in accessing community resources, behavioral health services, educational supports, and other appropriate interventions.
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Serves as Chair of the Attendance Support Engagement Team (ASET) and assist with case review, monitoring, follow-up, and truancy-related services.
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May provide support and follow-up services for youth referred through the Youth Diversion Team (YDT).
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Facilitates counseling, educational, skill-building, and support groups based on identified youth and community needs.
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Assists in the planning, coordination, and implementation of youth-focused programs, activities and interventions designed to promote positive youth development.
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Utilities department software and data management systems to maintain records and generate reports.
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Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings, school meetings, and community collaborations related to youth and family needs.
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Speaks before schools, parent groups, civic organizations, and community groups on matters pertaining to youth and adolescent development.
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Makes individuals referrals based on youth and family needs.
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Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skill, Ability and Personal Characteristics:
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Thorough knowledge of the principles and methods of counseling and interviewing techniques
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Thorough knowledge of adolescent development and the social, emotional, behavioral, educations, and family challenges affecting youth.
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Thorough knowledge community resources and youth-serving agencies.
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Ability to assess client needs and recommend appropriate services and interventions.
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Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
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Knowledge of trauma-informed, strength-based, and culturally responsive approaches to working with youth and families.
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Ability to asses safety concerns and coordinate appropriate crisis response, referrals and follow-up services.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgement in sensitive situations.
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Ability to establish effective working relationship with youth, families, school personnel, community partners, and colleagues.
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Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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Ability to facilitate individuals and group interventions.
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Ability to speak effectively before groups.
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Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships.
Qualifications:
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Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science (B.S. or B.A.) degree in psychology, sociology, counseling, human services, social work, counseling or closely related field
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Master's Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related field required.
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Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing counseling, case management, school-based services, youth development services or related work with adolescents and families.
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Experience working collaboratively with schools, families, community agencies, and youth serving organizations preferred.
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Valid Connecticut drivers license.
The Town of Southington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.
Posted: 7/14/26
Internal closes: 7/20/26
External closes: 7/28/26
