3rd Shift Youth Counselor

Grant Gardens; Ashland (KY); On-site; USD 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Gardens in Ashland, KY seeks Night Watch Youth Counselors to provide overnight direct care for adolescents 13–17 in residential treatment. The role requires staying awake, performing safety checks, supervising residents, and documenting nightly events.

You will work within a trauma-informed program, implement behavior supports, coordinate with nurses and staff, and help morning routines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to remain awake and attentive during overnight hours.
• Dependability and timely completion of checks.
• Strong observation, communication, teamwork, and documentation skills.
• Ability to respond calmly to distress, emergencies, and behavioral concerns.
• Willingness to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED, and TCI certifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide overnight supervision and safety checks according to plan and program requirements.
• Complete bed checks, counts, safety rounds, and observations with accurate documentation.
• Maintain a quiet, supportive overnight environment and respond to residents in distress or with needs.
• Use approved de-escalation and behavior support strategies.
• Monitor sleep, mood, and safety changes; report concerns to supervisors/nursing staff.
• Assist with morning wake-up, hygiene, and routine preparation for daily activities.
• Complete overnight logs and hand off details to daytime staff.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality, collaborating with the residential treatment team.

Skills

Observation

Communication

Teamwork

Documentation

Awake during night shift

Calm under pressure

Safety vigilance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid

AED Certification

TCI Certification

Job description

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Help Create a Safe Night. Support a Better Tomorrow.

At Grant Gardens, your attention and dependability help teens feel safe, supported, and ready for a new day. We are seeking Night Watch Youth Counselors to provide overnight direct care and supervision to adolescents ages 13–17 receiving residential treatment. Join a team where your calm presence, sound judgment, and commitment to others serve a meaningful purpose.

As an overnight Youth Counselor, you will complete resident safety checks, respond to nighttime needs, provide behavioral support, and assist with morning routines in a structured, trauma-informed environment. This position offers practical experience in behavioral health, residential care, and human services. Employees must remain awake, alert, and attentive throughout the entire shift.

What You’ll Do

Provide continuous overnight supervision according to assigned resident supervision levels, safety plans, and program requirements.

Complete scheduled bed checks, resident counts, safety rounds, and observations; accurately document each check when performed.

Maintain a quiet, supportive sleeping environment and respond to residents experiencing distress, nightmares, illness, or difficulty sleeping.

Provide reassurance, reinforce coping skills, and use approved verbal de-escalation and positive behavioral support strategies.

Monitor changes in sleep patterns, behavior, mood, or physical condition and promptly communicate concerns to supervisors or nursing staff.

Implement assigned components of individualized treatment plans, overnight care instructions, and resident safety precautions.

Respond to emergencies and immediate safety concerns using approved procedures and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques only as trained and authorized.

Check assigned areas for environmental hazards, unsecured doors, and other safety concerns.

Support morning wake-up, hygiene, room readiness, and preparation for breakfast, school, or daily programming.

Complete overnight logs, behavioral observations, and incident reports accurately and on time.

Provide a thorough morning shift handoff, including resident needs, significant events, and outstanding concerns.

Maintain professional boundaries, protect confidentiality, and work collaboratively with the residential treatment team.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED.

Meet applicable agency and regulatory minimum age requirements.

Ability to remain awake and attentive during overnight hours, including periods of low activity.

Dependability and ability to complete time-sensitive checks consistently.

Strong observation, communication, teamwork, and documentation skills.

Ability to respond calmly to distress, behavioral concerns, and emergencies.

Basic computer skills and willingness to learn electronic documentation systems.

Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, AED, and TCI certifications within required agency timeframes.

Ability to meet required background clearance, health screening, and employment requirements.

Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and required automobile insurance when driving is assigned.

Preferred Experience

Experience working with children or adolescents.

Experience in behavioral health, residential treatment, child welfare, education, childcare, juvenile services, or other human services.

Experience as a Mental Health Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, Direct Support Professional, Residential Counselor, Youth Care Worker, or Overnight Direct Care Worker.

Familiarity with trauma-informed care, crisis prevention, or de‑escalation.

Relevant experience is preferred. Applicants with strong judgment, patience, dependability, and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

This is an on-site overnight direct-care position requiring active supervision, regular walking and safety rounds, and prompt responses to resident needs. Employees must participate in required TCI training and approved safety interventions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions.