The Residential Counselor performs direct care work in the supervision and direction of all youth referred to the Chaplin Youth Center and is directly accountable and responsible to report to the Assistant Residential Services Director and Residential Services Director, as necessary, to ensure full compliance with agency policies and expectations contained within the standards and expectations of the Residential Services Division and its respective licensure requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and support youth during daily activities, routines, and community outings.
- Build positive relationships with residents while promoting respect, responsibility, and personal growth.
- Maintain a safe, secure, and therapeutic living environment.
- Monitor resident progress and document daily activities, observations, and incidents accurately.
- Communicate important information during shift changes and collaborate with other staff to ensure continuity of care.
- Assist with transportation to appointments, school, court, counseling, work, and recreational activities.
- Prepare and serve meals as needed.
- Administer medications and maintain medication records (after required certification).
- Lead or assist with recreational, educational, life skills, and group activities.
- Support family engagement and encourage positive communication between youth and their families.
- Use de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques to respond to behavioral or emotional crises.
- Follow agency procedures for emergencies, including incidents involving self-harm or suicidal ideation.
- Complete required reports and documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with agency policies, ethical standards, and Department of Juvenile Justice regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, or a related field; or
- Associate's degree with at least two years of experience working with at-risk youth in a residential or community-based setting; or
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
- Sound judgment, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to remain calm and respond effectively during crises.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Basic computer skills for documentation and recordkeeping.
Requirements
- Valid driver's license.
- Willingness to drive agency vehicles, including 7- to 15-passenger vans.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and respond quickly in a residential care environment.
- Ability to safely implement approved crisis intervention techniques after required training.
- Complete and maintain required certifications, including CPR/First Aid, Crisis Prevention/Physical Intervention (Handle With Care® or equivalent), Medication Administration, Bloodborne Pathogens, and other required agency trainings.
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of annual job-related training.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
