Job description

Are you looking for meaningful work where you make a difference for children or youth?

The Wichita Children’s Home is looking to hire Part-time Empowerment Counselors (direct care). These positions would be working in our Residential Programs for youth in foster care and experiencing homelessness. We currently have openings in our Crossroads, Emergency Residential, YRCII, Anti-Human Trafficking, Pregnant and Parenting Youth programs, and BRIDGES Transitional Living Program.

This Empowerment Counselor position will be working with youth in residential care or who are experiencing homelessness. We offer a competitive hourly rate of $15.00 including a weekend shift differential. We also offer a robust full-time benefits package including Aetna health insurance with low monthly premiums, retirement savings which include up to 2% match after 1 year of service, generous PTO that accrues monthly after 90 days, and professional on-the-job training. If this sounds like the opportunity for you to build a career while changing youth’s lives, apply today!

ABOUT THE WICHITA CHILDREN’S HOME

The Wichita Children’s Home was founded in 1888 as the city’s first orphanage to “support and care for destitute and homeless children.” Today the Home offers the only emergency, temporary, residential care for children in our community. The Home is open 24/7 and serves children from birth to 22 years of age in foster homes or in shelters and youth experiencing homelessness.

Wichita Children’s Home focuses on child healing. We realize child abuse, family issues, and substance abuse can never be eliminated. Yet, we continue to raise awareness, acting as an advocate for healthy families and working to minimize the negative impact on children of the community. Our trauma-responsive, therapeutic milieu ensures children and youth have the tools necessary to grow into healthy adulthood.

Although not all employees are involved in direct services, everyone is dedicated to the mission of the Wichita Children’s Home. We all believe in its core values and know that its work is highly valued. We strive to be the best employer possible, providing our employees with a mission-driven work atmosphere that is both focused and fun as well as a benefits package that we feel is one of the best in the industry.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF EMPLOYMENT COUNSELORS

As a full-time or part-time Employment Counselors in our residential and homeless programs, you are responsible for the day-to-day care of youth, ages 0-24, and their children. You help maintain a safe and secure environment and put everyone at ease with your calm, confident demeanor. The youth look up to you, and you enjoy interacting with them and their children. As a team player, you also work well with your fellow staff to facilitate a positive, constructive environment. You keep logs and records up-to-date and accurate, filling staff in as they come on duty.

You greet and welcome youth into our facilities, providing them with the support they need to be successful. You model positive communication, problem-solving, and support them in making decisions that positively affect their care plans. You also supervise and dispense medications according to doctor's orders, ensuring ingestion, secure storage, and proper documentation. With a respectful and upbeat attitude, you direct and assist residents with basic life skills development for themselves and their children, such as personal hygiene, cleaning, cooking, laundry, and childcare. You also provide transportation to their various appointments and activities.

You react quickly and exhibit good judgment during emergencies or stressful situations. Maintaining your professional boundaries as well as the program guidelines, you are kind but firm. Through your attitude, behavior, and appearance, you are a positive role model for our residents. You ensure residents' safety and well-being at all times and report incidents promptly to the appropriate authorities. With the resident's best interests in mind, you are always looking for ways to improve our operations. You get great satisfaction out of making a positive impact in the lives of at-risk youth and their children.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN EMPOWERMENT COUNSELOR

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of experience in youth services and experiencing serving at-risk youth (volunteer experience counts!)
• Crisis intervention training
• Understanding of the needs of children and adolescents
• Ability to pass DCFS licensing requirements including a background screening
• Current driver's license and proof of insurance
• First aid/CPR certification
• Heart for youth services

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Weekend availability

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• youth services: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: One location

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