Counselor Advocate

Phipps Neighborhoods helps children, youth, and families in low-income communities rise above poverty. We work in South Bronx neighborhoods where we can address the greatest barriers to lasting success through education and career programs, and access to community resources.

We’re dedicated to our neighborhoods for the long term, supporting individuals and families as they establish self-sufficiency. Our services create opportunities for people to thrive in every aspect of their lives.The counselor advocate would support the Program Director by reviewing participant case notes, provide guidance in the development and implementation of participant’s individualized plans. The counselor advocate will also provide coaching and professional development opportunities for the Program Director. He/she could provide individual counseling, as needed, and ensure that participants receive the additional supports they need, inside and outside school. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:Please note that Phipps Houses and its related entities along with Phipps Neighborhoods, Inc. has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. As a condition of employment, all employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law.

• Support the program director in the review of participant individualized plans that align to their personal goals and identifying educational, personal, or social issues to be addressed.
• Meet regularly with the Program Director to review case notes and each participant’s progress towards achievement of his/her personal goals and the extent to which identified needs are being met.

• Identify opportunities for coaching and professional development
• Provide counseling, support and referrals to needed services, including referrals to other DYCD programs or other City-funded services.

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Education: Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and a minimum of two years of successful experience working with individual students and school personnel, external service providers, and parents or guardians.

• Working knowledge of NYC school’s credit accumulation requirements for on-time promotion to the next grade.
• The ability to work with young people at multiple grade levels and varying stages of development
• Previous experience working in an urban environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and computer literacy
• Bilingual (Spanish speaking) preferred
• Enthusiasm, creativity and initiative
• Sense of humor and a sense of urgency

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred

Bilingual (Spanish) Intermediate

Follow Through Intermediate

Counseling Intermediate

Verbal Communication Intermediate

Written Communication Intermediate

Behaviors

Preferred

Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Education

Required

Masters or better in Social Work.

Experience

Preferred

Working knowledge of NYC school’s credit accumulation requirements

Ability to work with young people at multiple grade levels and varying stages of development

Previous experience working in an urban environment