Youth Residential Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

The Youth Residential Counselor plays a critical role in providing a safe, supportive, and structured living environment for youth in residential care settings. This position focuses on promoting the emotional, social, and behavioral development of young individuals by implementing individualized care plans and therapeutic interventions. The counselor collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, therapists, and educators, to ensure comprehensive support tailored to each youth's unique needs. Additionally, the role involves crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and fostering positive relationships to encourage personal growth and resilience. Ultimately, the Youth Residential Counselor contributes to the overall well-being and successful transition of youth toward independence and community integration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or higher in social work, psychology, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with youth in residential, educational, or therapeutic settings.
• Basic knowledge of child and adolescent development and behavioral management techniques.
• Ability to pass background checks and meet all regulatory requirements for working with minors.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with youth, families, and team members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related human services field.
• Certification in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, or related therapeutic modalities.
• Experience with documentation and electronic record-keeping systems.
• Training in de-escalation techniques and non-violent crisis intervention.
• Familiarity with community resources and referral processes for youth and families.
• CPR, TOVA and Medication Management

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and support youth in a residential setting, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Implement individualized care plans and therapeutic activities designed to meet the developmental and emotional needs of each youth.
• Monitor and document behavioral progress, incidents, and daily activities accurately and timely.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care, participate in case conferences, and contribute to treatment planning.
• Provide crisis intervention and conflict resolution to de-escalate challenging situations effectively.
• Facilitate life skills training, social development activities, and educational support to promote independence.
• Maintain compliance with all regulatory and organizational policies, including reporting requirements and confidentiality standards.

Skills:

The Youth Residential Counselor utilizes strong communication skills daily to build trust and rapport with youth, enabling effective guidance and support. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are essential for managing crises and adapting care plans to meet evolving needs. Empathy and patience are applied consistently to foster a nurturing environment that encourages positive behavioral change. Organizational skills are important for maintaining accurate records and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care. Additionally, knowledge of therapeutic techniques and behavioral management strategies is employed to facilitate youth development and promote a safe residential atmosphere.