Youth Development Counselor (TUES & WED: 8am-4pm; THURS-SAT: 3pm-11pm)

GET TO KNOW US

For more than a century, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has been dedicated to supporting children and families across Los Angeles County through high-quality programs and compassionate care. Our goal is to help children and families build strong foundations that support growth, stability, and meaningful opportunities throughout their lives. Many of the individuals we serve have faced long-standing challenges, and we are committed to meeting families where they are with respect and understanding. Vista Del Mar is guided by values centered on growth, opportunity, fairness, and excellence in service.

OUR CULTURE

At Vista Del Mar, our work is strengthened by the people we serve and the dedicated staff who support them. We strive to create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, care, and respect. We recognize that personal experiences and life circumstances shape how individuals engage within their communities, and we actively work to reduce barriers while improving access and outcomes for families. Vista Del Mar is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in care, collaboration, professional growth, and mutual support, where each individual feels welcomed and valued. We believe meaningful action is the foundation of lasting trust. We welcome qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. Relevant professional and lived experience that supports effective service delivery to children and families is valued. All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, experience, and organizational needs.

MISSION:

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Do you have a passion for working with youth? Are you interested in building experience working with youth in the behavioral and emotional health space?

The Youth Development Counselor (YDC) is in charge of successfully conducting youth development activities for children in our residential group homes. In this role, the YDCs provide supervision, care and protection of the youth in our residential program. The YDCs will work with youth ages 12-18 years old, help them in developing life skills and tools for living. Additionally, the YDCs help develop and implement various activities for the youth. 

Shift Schedule:

Note: Please only apply to this posting if you are able to work these hours. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Constant supervision, protection, and care of youth, individually and in groups at all times in a manner consistent with their personal rights, to ensure safety within a trauma informed framework.
• Work as a part of the treatment team to help youth in the development of various skills including social, vocational, educational, hygiene and other skills.
• Develop and implement various activities for the youth.
• Demonstrates an understanding and practice of relationship-based treatment, strength-based, Trauma-informed, and culturally/LGBTQ-sensitive approach in working with youth while administering appropriate and effective interventions and sets limits for behavior per agency policy.
• Responsible for agency vehicles under their care and signing in and out of the vehicle log sheet.
• Participates in and/or conducts cottage group meetings, and documents meeting content.

WHAT YOU BRING TO VDM:

• BA/BS required
• At least 1 year experience working with adolescents in a residential treatment facility.
• Minimum 2 years of experience serving children with mental health. 
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must have a good driving record and valid California Driver’s License.
• COVID-19 Vaccination Card (fully vaccinated with booster) required.

Compensation is commensurate on experience and other factors. 

Pay range: $17.68 - $24.21 per hour

What Can We Offer You for All Your Hard Work?

• Full benefits offered (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through The Standard
• 403(b) – 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary
• 4 Mental Health Days
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Up to 25% for Cell Phone Discounts with 3 Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)

Vista Del Mar’s Credentials:

Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.

Equal Employment Statement

Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.