Program Counselor

Amity Foundation, an internationally acclaimed teaching and therapeutic community is seeking compassionate and enthusiastic individuals with a desire to teach, learn and join our community as, Program Counselor. With this groundbreaking opportunity not only will allow you to work with our prison programs helping the inmate population but will also enhance your training and experience in the field.   About Amity: Amity Foundation is a safe place where people can change in an environment that fosters trust; where new values can be formed; responsibility developed, and lasting relationships built. Amity is dedicated to the inclusion and habilitation of people marginalized by addiction, homelessness, trauma, criminality, incarceration, poverty, racism, sexism and violence. Amity is committed to research, development implementation and dissemination of information regarding community building.   Remembrance, Resolution, Reconciliation, Restoration, Renewal   About the Position: As Program Counselor you will support the community by delivering face-to-face rehabilitative programming services. The Program Counselor is responsible for implementing services of the PGYCC project.

What You Will Do:

• The Program Counselor (PC) shall provide effective services based on participant needs and maintain a therapeutic environment at the YCC. 
• The PC shall be responsive to and supportive of participant’s needs, encouraging their strengths and personal goals while holding them accountable for their behavior. 
• PC shall serve as a role model for the participants, developing a treatment alliance that is consistent, confidential, collaborative, and individualized. 
• PC shall be a visible advocate for the participants within the YCC, the community, CDCR, and county juvenile justice system.
• PC may participate in YCC led conflict resolution or mediation within the YCC community. 
• PC will participate in creating an overall therapeutic environment in partnership with YCC staff. 
• PC shall focus on developing the participant’s identity as well as connections with their family and positive support community. 
• The PC will need to be trained and prepared to present curriculum and facilitate large and small groups, structured activities, and individual support to participants, communicate effectively with the YCC staff, collect and submit data and track attendance. 
• Additional duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring:

Required: Counselor I: Must be registered with an organization approved by DHCS and obtain their AOD certification within five (5) years of registration date.- At least fifty (50) percent of the PCs, at YCC, must have a minimum of one (1) year of experience in counseling, mentoring, or teaching experience with offenders.

• The other PCs must meet one (1) of the following criteria:
• a. Certification in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), or as a substance use disorder Counselor or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, or
• b. One (1) year of experience conducting professional counseling in a community organization or treatment center established for developing appropriate treatment and recovery plans; facilitating individual and group therapy sessions; monitoring patients over time to assess treatment progress, identifying behaviors that interfere with treatment and recovery; or
• c. Bachelor’s degree in counseling from an accredited college or university. Preferred:- CDCR prefers Amity (the Contractor) to hire PCs who are formerly incarcerated, or justice involved individuals who have demonstrated the ability to live productive and law-abiding lives since discharge from the criminal justice system.

What We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, Vision.
• Paid vacation, sick time, & holidays.
• 401K, HSA, & Life insurance programs
• Organization committed to community action.
• Community oriented workplace