Youth Authority Has Counselor Openings

People interested in counseling and supervising young criminal offenders can apply for youth counselor positions with the California Youth Authority before Nov. 8.

Youth counselors work to rehabilitate young offenders in state juvenile facilities as well as those on parole. Each counselor supervises an assigned group of youths in their daily living and activity programs.

Although the job is demanding, Mary Moorhead, a personnel specialist with the Youth Authority, said counselors find the work rewarding. “If they can turn one young person’s life around, it’s all worth it,” she said.

Applicants for the job, which pays $2,585 each month, must have graduated from a four-year college or be enrolled as a senior. Those who fail that requirement may still qualify if they have completed 60 semester units of college and have two years of paid or volunteer experience working with youth.

Applicants also must be in good physical condition and pass a background investigation.

For an application, call (916) 262-1338. Those interested in working at the Ventura School, the county’s only Youth Authority facility, should contact chief recruiter Cynthia Brown at 278-3707.