Direct Care Counselor

Walker; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Paid time off

11 paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Training certifications (TCI/CPR)

Job summary

Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs in Needham, MA seeks a Direct Care Counselor to work with children and teens facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in residential and school settings.

You will supervise youth, provide a trauma-informed milieu, support daily living skills, follow treatment plans and IEPs, administer medications per policy, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure safety and growth.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Ability to pass criminal background check.
• Reliable transportation.
• Previous experience working in a similar setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise children and teens in residential and school settings.
• Provide a therapeutic milieu environment, maintaining a safe and healthy setting that meets the physical and emotional needs of youth.
• Plan and implement engaging social and recreational activities.
• Assist with daily living activities and help youth develop independent living skills.
• Apply Walker’s relationship-based childcare model; use TCI strategies and physical restraint only when necessary for safety.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the emotional, behavioral, and educational development of youth.
• Implement treatment protocols established in youth’s treatment plans, IEPs, and crisis management plans.
• Administer medication in accordance with Walker's policies and procedures.
• Respond to emergencies quickly and safely using TCI and crisis intervention skills.
• Participate actively in supervision and remain receptive to feedback and professional development.
• Attend required meetings and team conferences.
• Complete oral and written reports accurately and on time.
• Maintain proper documentation of care provided and incidents.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills

Flexibility

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Fast-paced environment

Education

High School/GED

Associate’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Details

• Location: Needham, MA 02492
• Position Type: Full-Time
• Education Level: High School/GED
• Salary Range: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour
• Shift: Any

About Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families in Massachusetts, offering comprehensive, trauma‑informed residential, educational, and clinical services.

Job Overview

As a Direct Care Counselor, you will work directly with children and teens navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. You’ll be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team that helps youth feel safe, connected, and ready to grow.

Essential Functions

• Direct Care and Milieu Management
  • Directly supervise children and teens in residential and school settings.
  • Provide a therapeutic milieu environment, maintaining a safe and healthy setting that meets the physical and emotional needs of youth.
  • Plan and implement engaging social and recreational activities.
  • Assist with daily living activities and help youth develop independent living skills.
  • Apply Walker’s relationship‑based childcare model; use Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies and physical restraint only when necessary for safety.
• Treatment and Clinical Support
  • Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the emotional, behavioral, and educational development of youth.
  • Implement treatment protocols established in youth’s treatment plans, IEPs, and crisis management plans.
  • Administer medication in accordance with Walker's policies and procedures.
  • Respond to emergencies quickly and safely using TCI and crisis intervention skills.
  • Participate actively in supervision and remain receptive to feedback and professional development.
• Documentation and Administrative Functions
  • Attend required meetings and team conferences.
  • Complete oral and written reports accurately and on time.
  • Maintain proper documentation of care provided and incidents.
• Other
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Flexibility and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make safe decisions in high‑pressure situations.
• Capacity to work effectively in a stressful and fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to learn, retain, and apply principles taught in training and supervision.
• Physical stamina to participate in activities with children: stand, walk, run for extended periods; perform bending, stooping, lifting, etc.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Ability to pass criminal background check.
• Reliable transportation.
• Previous experience working in a similar setting preferred.

Schedule Options

• Second Shift: Sunday–Wednesday.
• Second Shift: Wednesday–Saturday.
• Overnight: Weekend (Friday–Monday).
• Overnight: Weeknight (Monday–Thursday).
• Bi‑weekly rotating schedules.
• Other flexibility considered based on program needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for individuals and families.
• Generous paid time off (vacation and sick time).
• 11 paid holidays (shift differential if scheduled to work).
• Paid parental leave.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent).
• Employee Assistance Program and Emergency Travel Assistance (mental health, financial, legal, relocation services).
• Wellness resources (Calm App, flexible fitness reimbursements, pet insurance).
• 401(k) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• 100% employer‑paid life and disability insurance.
• Employee referral bonuses.
• Premium shift differential for overnight shifts ($1–$2/hour) and for staff scheduled on 11 agency holidays.
• Discounts on auto insurance, access to Metro Credit Union banking, free parking.
• Walker Academy: 2‑week onboarding and training program.
• Regular supervision and career planning opportunities.
• Free TCI and CPR/First Aid certifications and renewals.
• Access to 1,000+ online human services courses with CEU credit.
• Tuition reimbursement and remission (up to $1,500 annually).
• Recognition for years of service and monthly community events.
• External learning opportunities (conferences, workshops).

Equal Opportunity Statement

Walker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint‑related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law.