Youth Counselor - Special Services

ABOUT COMMONPOINT:

At Commonpoint, community is at the heart of everything we do. With more than 90 program sites and flagship locations in Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica, we proudly serve over 125,000 individuals each year. From early childhood to older adulthood, we support people from all walks of life on their journeys from crisis to stability and empowerment. Our wide range of programs, spanning social services, education, and recreation, reflects our mission to build a more connected, inclusive, and thriving community for all.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

To continue advancing the impact we have across the communities we serve, Commonpoint is hiring a Youth Counselor situated within the Special Services Department. The Special Services Department plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life within an inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community. Under the group leader's supervision, the individual hired as a youth counselor will be responsible for the daily supervision and safety of the children. The youth counselor will also assist the group leader in planning goals and activities for all of the children. This role reports directly to Marianna Albines.

Across the agency, our seasonal and part-time staff play a crucial role in driving our initiatives forward by supporting daily operations, program delivery, and organizational goals.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Agency Expectations:

• Support agency initiatives by carrying out assigned duties accurately and efficiently, while following established processes and contributing to basic data collection, reporting, or documentation as required.
• Use agency resources responsibly by following established procedures, safeguarding equipment and materials, and/or supporting cost-effective operations.
• Work effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and cross-department teams to ensure clear communication, timely task completion, and a positive, respectful work environment.
• Follow all safety protocols, policies, and procedures to maintain a safe work environment for staff, partners, and the public, and promptly report concerns or incidents.

Role Expectations:

• Under supervision of the Group Leader, the Youth Counselor is directly responsible for the children assigned to the group from the time they arrive to the end of the day.
• Youth Counselors will implement activities that have been developed in accordance with the child’s specific needs.
• Youth Counselors are expected to engage and interact with the children throughout the day and follow the group room schedule and individualized therapeutic interventions.
• Youth Counselors should serve as good role models for the children which fosters the agency’s values and mission.
• Youth Counselors are expected to arrive at work promptly to ensure proper staff coverage for the group room.
• All staff are responsible to keep their group rooms organized and clean.

QUALIFICATIONS & KEY ATTRIBUTES:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates should be at least 18 years of age, however if the candidate is 16 -17 years of age, they may be considered if they have experience working with children with special needs.
• The candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The candidate must have willingness to accept guidance and supervision, and a sense of patience for the children we serve.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in a Commonpoint role is a plus.
• Previous experience with neurodiverse individuals.
• Being an active worker when collaborating as a team to support our neurodiverse children.

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

• Consistently shows up prepared, follows through on assigned responsibilities, and meets expectations within established timelines.
• Responds effectively to changing priorities, learns new tasks quickly, and applies feedback to improve performance.
• Adheres to safety protocols, policies, and ethical standards, and represents the agency professionally in all interactions.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Commonpoint offers competitive base salaries benchmarked against comparable nonprofit organizations in the New York metropolitan area. Salaries are determined based on internal and external equity, as well as each position’s scope, qualifications, and organizational impact. We believe in compensating staff fairly and consistently, ensuring that all salary decisions align with our mission-driven commitment to equity and transparency.

To maintain fairness across the organization, salary offers are set according to established salary bands and are not subject to negotiation. New hires typically start near the beginning of the salary range to allow for growth based on performance, professional development, and tenure.

WORKING CONDITIONS & JOB DETAILS:

JOB DETAILS:

• Working Schedule: Eg- Mon- Fri, 9am- 5pm.
• Hourly Rate: $17.00/hour.
• Part Time Non-Union Position.
• In Person.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

Please submit a resume as a Word or PDF document only, to Marianna Albines at [email protected]

Please indicate “Special Services Youth Counselor” in the subject line.

Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Commonpoint is an equal opportunity employer.

Commonpoint is a community centric nonprofit, serving diverse audiences through every chapter of life, across the five boroughs and beyond. We offer a rich range of services through our vast network of professionals, social workers, and volunteers, giving people the tools and resources to connect and grow.At every stage and every age, regardless of disability or ability, people can look to Commonpoint to find care during a crisis, access opportunities to grow, and deepen their sense of connection to those around them. From summer camps and job training to food pantries and private pool clubs, Commonpoint is by your side. We are proud of our clients, partners, and team members who lift each other up, building relationships for a lifetime. Because being a part of Commonpoint is investing in a community where everyone is invited and welcome.