POSITION SUMMARY:
The Healthy Youth Program (HYP) offers substance use education, prevention, intervention, and treatment that speaks directly to the realities of adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 25. Our approach is relationship-driven, rooted in trust, and focused on meeting young people where they are—literally and figuratively.
The Counselor provides individual and group counseling, case management, and prevention services for youth engaged in HYP treatment services, as well as those connecting with support at EYS’s Housing Opportunity Program (HOP) emergency shelters and the Basement Teen Center. In these spaces, counseling often starts with a conversation over a cup of tea, a walk outside, or a quick check-in after school—because we know that healing begins with feeling safe and seen.
Clients are screened for eligibility as part of the HYP assessment process and referred as appropriate. Supervision is provided by the HYP Program Director, a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor.
DUTIES AND RESONSIBILITIES:
The Counselor is responsible for providing flexible, youth-centered counseling and case management, including:
Providing individual and group outpatient counseling and prevention services for HYP clients, and on-site counseling at HOP emergency shelters and the Basement Teen Center.
Building trust with youth and young adults in low-barrier spaces, offering support that is responsive to their immediate needs while helping them envision and work toward long-term goals.
Documenting all clinical and prevention services in accordance with state and federal requirements.
Serving as a contact for school-based prevention services.
Communicating with families, agency staff, and community partners connected to clients.
Participating in all HYP and Elevate Youth Services staff and clinical meetings.
Observing all state and federal HIPAA requirements.
Collaborating with clients to identify and implement individualized goals.
Staying informed about local resources related to pregnancy/parenting, employment/education, housing, infectious disease screening, and other supports.
Providing transportation as needed to assist clients in accessing identified resources.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Licensed or on a licensure-eligible track as a mental health or substance use counselor (completion or in process of completing a Master’s Degree in a mental health discipline).
Knowledge of positive youth development, family-centered practice, strength-based approaches, motivational interviewing, and prevention/intervention strategies. Experience counseling clients with substance use disorders.
Experience counseling youth or young adults. Experience working with high-risk youth and young adults.
Experience administering substance use assessments.
Familiarity with ASAM guidelines.
Working knowledge of local health care, social services, education, vocational, and business resources in Washington County.
Ability to coordinate, organize, and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
This is a 100% FTE position based on a 37.5-hour work week. Desk space will be in a shared office (Berlin). The HYP team is comprised of the HYP Director, counselors, and occasionally interns. This position requires regular travel to HOP emergency shelters (Plainfield) and the Basement Teen Center (Montpelier) to provide on-site counseling in both structured and drop-in settings. Supervision is provided through scheduled individual sessions and as needed to support professional growth and effective case management. All EYS staff participate in a monthly morning meeting and periodic staff development activities, particularly those supporting the maintenance of licensing requirements.
This role involves working on a computer, handling light materials, and traveling locally, with occasional longer trips for professional development. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required for some assignments. We provide reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
BENEFITS:
Vacation Allowance15 days
Personal Days.3 days
Holidays13 days
Sick Leave10 days
Health InsuranceYes.See below
Dental/Optical.Not available at this time
Long Term Disability/Life InsuranceYes
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Yes
403B TSA Plan.Yes
50% Discount GMC Fitness MembershipYes
SPECIAL NOTES
Elevate Youth Services (EYS) will provide health insurance coverage for benefit-eligible employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont. EYS will contribute $640 per month toward each employee’s premium. Employees may select from multiple plan options offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield to best meet their individual needs. Any premium costs exceeding the $640 monthly contribution will be the employee’s responsibility and will be applied as pre-tax payroll deductions.
Background check required
Position open until filled
Elevate Youth Services is an EOE
Elevate Youth Services is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
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