Bilingual Youth Counselor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Norris Square Civic Association

Xiente | Philadelphia, PA
Salary: $54,000 Annually
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Location: In Person

Xiente is seeking a passionate, bilingual, and dedicated Youth Counselor to help young people overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve their personal, educational, and life goals.

This is more than a counseling position. It is an opportunity to become a trusted mentor, advocate, and support system for youth and families throughout the Philadelphia community.

The ideal candidate is committed to helping young people navigate challenges, develop life skills, improve decision-making, and access the resources necessary for long-term success.

As a Youth Counselor, you will work directly with youth facing social, emotional, educational, behavioral, and family-related challenges while providing guidance, case planning, mentorship, and supportive counseling services.

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and families.
• Help young people build confidence, resilience, and positive futures.
• Work in a mission-driven organization committed to community empowerment.
• Collaborate with schools, families, community organizations, and service providers.
• Gain valuable experience in youth development, counseling, case management, and advocacy.
• Join a supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package available for eligible employees.

The Bilingual Youth Counselor provides counseling, case management, mentorship, advocacy, and supportive services to youth participating in Xiente programs.

This position works closely with youth and families to assess strengths and barriers, develop individualized service plans, connect participants to resources, and provide ongoing support that promotes positive social, emotional, educational, and behavioral outcomes.

The Youth Counselor serves as a trusted adult mentor and works collaboratively with families, schools, service providers, and community organizations to ensure participants receive comprehensive and coordinated services.

• Bachelor's Degree required in:
  • Social Work
  • Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Human Services
  • Education
  • Criminal Justice
  • Family Studies
  • Youth Development
  • Or a closely related field
• Master's Degree required in:
  • Social Work
  • Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Human Services
  • Education
  • Marriage & Family Therapy
  • School Counseling
  • Or a closely related behavioral health or human services field

• Fluent in both English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) required.

Candidates must be able to:

• Conduct assessments in both languages.
• Communicate effectively with youth and families.
• Facilitate meetings and counseling sessions.
• Document participant services professionally.
• Connect participants to appropriate community resources.

• Experience working with youth in:
  • Counseling
  • Behavioral Health
  • Case Management
  • Social Services
  • Education
  • Youth Development
  • Workforce Development
  • Community-Based Programs
  • Or related fields
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and youth engagement strategies.
• Experience building relationships with diverse youth and families.

Candidates who are not bilingual in English and Spanish or who do not possess both a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree will not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

• Provide individual support, guidance, counseling, and mentorship to youth participants.
• Establish trusting and supportive relationships with youth and families.
• Conduct assessments to identify participant strengths, needs, challenges, and goals.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement during difficult situations.
• Assist youth in developing healthy coping mechanisms and positive decision-making skills.
• Promote personal growth, responsibility, self-advocacy, and resilience.

• Develop individualized service plans based on participant goals and identified needs.
• Monitor participant progress and update plans as necessary.
• Coordinate referrals to supportive services and community resources.
• Track outcomes and assist youth in achieving educational, behavioral, employment, and personal goals.
• Maintain regular communication with participants and families.

• Assist youth in developing:
  • Communication Skills
  • Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Leadership Skills
  • Goal-Setting Skills
  • Life Skills
  • Decision-Making Skills
• Facilitate activities and discussions that encourage personal growth and positive behaviors.
• Promote healthy relationships and positive peer interactions.

• Build productive relationships with parents and guardians.
• Collaborate with schools, service providers, behavioral health professionals, and community organizations.
• Advocate for participants and families when appropriate.
• Participate in meetings and case conferences as required.
• Connect youth and families with educational, social, behavioral health, and community supports.

• Maintain timely and accurate case notes and participant files.
• Document participant services, progress, referrals, and outcomes.
• Complete required reports and program documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional standards at all times.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and program requirements.

• Experience working in community-based youth programs.
• Experience with trauma-informed care practices.
• Experience supporting youth experiencing behavioral, emotional, educational, or family-related challenges.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia community resources and support systems.
• Experience facilitating youth groups, workshops, or leadership activities.
• Experience working with diverse cultural and socioeconomic populations.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong counseling and helping skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Effective advocacy and case management skills.
• Strong crisis intervention and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to engage youth in a supportive and strengths-based manner.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple participants and priorities effectively.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to empowering youth and strengthening families.

The ideal candidate:

• Is fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Possesses both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in a related field.
• Has a genuine passion for supporting young people.
• Can build trust and rapport with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Is compassionate, patient, dependable, and professional.
• Serves as a positive role model.
• Thrives in a collaborative and community-focused environment.
• Values cultural responsiveness and family engagement.
• Is committed to helping youth overcome barriers and achieve success.

Eligible employees may receive:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programs

At Xiente, we believe every young person deserves access to support, opportunity, and caring adults who can help guide them toward a successful future.As a Bilingual Youth Counselor, you will play a critical role in helping youth build confidence, overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, and achieve meaningful goals.If you are bilingual in English and Spanish, possess both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in a related field, and are passionate about empowering youth and families, we encourage you to apply today.Xiente is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and strengthening youth, families, and communities.