Job Description – Mental Health Counselor (YouthBuild Program)

Position Summary

The Mental Health Counselor supports YouthBuild participants (ages 16–24) in overcoming personal, social, and emotional barriers that may interfere with education, training, and employment success. The Counselor provides individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to community resources, while collaborating with case managers, instructors, and program staff to promote holistic student well-being.

Key Responsibilities

Counseling & Support

• Provide individual counseling to address issues such as stress, trauma, anger management, grief, relationships, and substance use.
• Facilitate group sessions on topics including mental health, conflict resolution, communication, and self-care.
• Conduct crisis intervention and develop safety plans when necessary.
• Support students in developing coping strategies that enhance persistence in education and training.

Case Management Collaboration

• Partner with case managers to identify student needs and integrate mental health services into individual success plans.
• Maintain communication with instructors and staff to ensure students receive wraparound support.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and cross-agency collaboration.

Resource Connection

• Refer students to external community mental health, substance use, or social service providers when needs exceed program capacity.
• Build partnerships with local agencies to expand available support services.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate, confidential counseling records in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Track counseling hours, referrals, and outcomes for program evaluation and reporting.
• Adhere to ethical standards of practice and professional licensure requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• Licensed or license-eligible in the state (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, etc.).
• Experience providing counseling to adolescents/young adults, preferably in underserved communities.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to manage crises and de-escalate high-stress situations.

Preferred

• Knowledge of workforce development or education programs.
• Experience working with opportunity youth (out-of-school, justice-involved, low-income).
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or other language common in the community.

Core Competencies

• Compassionate, youth-centered approach.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Team-oriented with ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and empowerment of young people.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Part-time, typically Monday & Friday.
• Based in classroom, training site, and office environments, with flexibility for community visits.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Work Location: In person