FEATURED JOB OPENING: Live-in Residential Counselor Couple - Pittsburgh, PA

General Description

The Residential Couple supports the Mission and Values of Boys Hope Girls Hope. The Residential Counselor Couple is responsible for directing the operations of the home to create a family atmosphere that supports the development of the full child.  The Residential Couple is part of a team of professionals and volunteers.  They perform their duties relatively free from direct supervision, acting at all times in a professional manner.

Major Responsibilities

Child Development and Health

• Know and follow Boys Hope Girls Hope program policies and procedures regarding the care and development of scholars
• Assume responsibility for scholars in residence, including daily decisions regarding health, safety, and discipline
• Responsible for physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and academic development of scholars living in home in accordance with individual scholar service plans and Boys Hope Girls Hope program policies
• With direction of the Director of Residential Programs, communicate with therapist on scholar goals of therapy and progress.
• Develop and maintain parent and/or guardian relationships and involvement in their child’s life and the program.
• Implement program to teach transitional living skills

Academics

• Monitors academic performance of scholars to identify areas of concern requiring additional support. 
• Maintains regular contact with teachers and schools, including representation of program at teacher conferences and related activities
• Provides individual assistance and tutoring as needed.
• Coordinates and implements college preparation for scholars.

Household Management

• Assure that home functions in accordance with Boys Hope Girls Hope program and licensing standards for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Licensing Department
• Maintain the home in a clean and safe condition, providing for nutritional and physical needs of scholars
• With assistance from the Operations Coordinator, ensure that scheduled and necessary maintenance occurs on all program property and vehicles.

Administrative and Record Keeping

• Maintain scholar and program files in accordance with licensing and Boys Hope Girls Hope standards
• With assistance from the Finance Associate / Office Manager, manage house budget
• Schedule, facilitate, prepare and update scholar quarterly service plans for approval by the Director of Residential Programs

Community Relations

• Maintain, and role model for scholars, positive relations with neighbors, community groups, schools and authorities.

Critical Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have one of the following:
  • Bachelors degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education or a related field and the equivalent of one year full-time work with a similar population
  • Bachelors degree in any field and one year of experience working with adolescents
  • A High School Diploma (some college preferred) and at least two years full-time experience working with this population
• Be at least 27 years of age
• In a stable relationship
• Posses a valid drivers license and a good driving record

Certification in CPR, first aid and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention will also be required as a condition of continued employment, along with all other trainings required by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

The position requires the following competencies for success:

• Able to communicate clearly and effectively with adolescents, their guardians or parents, co-workers and supervisors, teachers and other audiences verbally and in writing
• Able to communicate in high stress or emotional situations, especially to convey information and directions
• Creative in presenting material and motivating scholars to pursue their education
• Be able to assist scholars in developing study and problem solving skills
• Demonstrate curiosity and a life-long passion for learning
• Professional work habits and dress
• The ability to develop appropriate relationships with different populations, including scholars and their families
• Sensitivity to different religious backgrounds, and cultures
• Able to manage several projects and activities at the same time
• Ability to use a computer for simple word processing and internet applications like e-mail
• Manage a petty cash account
• Knowledge or record keeping and professional documentation standards

The position requires the ability to perform household tasks like shopping, cooking, cleaning and minor property care that may require bending, lifting and carrying.  The position requires the ability to closely monitor the whereabouts and activities of several pre-adolescent and adolescent childre in a multi-story home, as well as the ability to safely transport children in program vehicles.  It may also require engaging in athletic, recreational and/or camping activities with the scholars.

Working Conditions

This position is focused primarily upon serving the scholars of the program through advancing the mission of the organization.  The position requires living in the home  (3rd floor apartment)in support of the goal of creating a family-like atmosphere, and the development of positive, committed relationships. The position requires annual participation in continuing education, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training, satisfied through in-house programs offered by Boys Hope Girls Hope or third party providers.  The position will have at least an annual performance evaluation.  While working within a home team schedule, staff will be required to be flexible with regard to the 24 hour, seven day a week needs of the Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars. 

Boys Hope Girls Hope of Pittsburgh, Inc. will be opening a home for boys in the summer of 2020. We are looking for a full-time husband and wife couple who can reside in the home and provide care for eight (8) young men who are academically-capable, motivated, and bright.