Weekend Counselor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position title: Youth and Family Support Counselor
Program: CCBYS (Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services)
Location: Chicago, IL (Melrose Park)
Schedule: Full-Time | Rotating Schedule (Includes evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts)
Salary: $47,000 - $48,000 annually.

Are you passionate about supporting youth and families during critical moments? Youth Outreach Services (YOS) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Youth & Family Support Counselor to support youth ages 11-17 and their families during times of crisis. This role focuses on stabilizing youth within their homes and preventing involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems.

Position overview:
The Youth & Family Support Counselor works within the CCBYS program, providing crisis intervention, home-based counseling, and stabilization services. This role involves direct collaboration with families, community partners, and law enforcement when needed, ensuring youth receive immediate and ongoing support in high-risk situations.

Schedule & work structure:

• Rotating schedule based on program needs
• 2-3 on-call shifts per week (including weekends, day and night shifts)
• In-person response required (within approximately 1 hour)
• After successful completion of the probationary period, partial remote work may be available for documentation

Key responsibilities:

• Respond to crisis situations in collaboration with police departments and community partners
• Provide intensive, home-based counseling and stabilization services
• Support youth and families in managing conflict and improving family functioning
• Conduct assessments and develop individualized service plans
• Connect families to appropriate internal and external resources
• Provide services for up to 90 days per case
• Maintain accurate documentation and case records
• Participate in weekly team meetings and case consultations

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field required
• Strong willingness to learn and work with dedication and consistency
• Experience with youth or families preferred (not required)
• Ability to handle high-stress and crisis situations effectively
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
• Valid driver's license required
• Reliable daily access to a personal vehicle strongly preferred (candidates without a vehicle may still be considered if willing to obtain one)
• Must reside within the city of Chicago

Ideal candidate profile:

• Eager to learn and grow within a mission-driven organization
• Strong interest in working with at-risk youth and families
• Background in social services, criminal justice, or structured environments
• Comfortable working with diverse populations and multiple stakeholders
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented in crisis situations

Why Join Us?

• Gain hands-on experience: Ideal for individuals building their careers in social services, with exposure to crisis intervention, case management, and community-based support
• Make a meaningful impact: Support youth and families during critical moments and help prevent involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems
• Independent & collaborative work: Balance autonomy in the field with strong team support and cross-functional collaboration
• Engaging work environment: Be part of a mission-driven organization with a supportive culture and team-based approach

What we offer:

• Comprehensive benefits package: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Short/Long-Term Disability
• 403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Eligibility for one remote workday per week after a 90-day probation period
• Mileage reimbursement

How to Apply:
Please apply through our website by submitting your resume. Candidates will receive a brief questionnaire as part of the next step in the process.

Youth Outreach Services is a drug-free workplace. Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and continued employment.

Youth Outreach Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.