Impactful Residential Youth Counselor

FOUR OAKS FAMILY AND CHILDRENS SERVICES; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

FOUR OAKS FAMILY AND CHILDRENS SERVICES in Bertram/Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking an Entry level Youth Counselor for the STOP Campus. You will work with adolescent boys ages 12–17, providing structure, support, and consistent supervision during a critical developmental period.

The role emphasizes hands-on engagement, teaching life skills, accountability, and positive coping strategies in a highly structured residential program.

Qualifications

• 21+ years of age
• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Human Services or related field
• Strong communication and problem solving abilities
• Basic computer skills in MS Office

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships with youth based on consistency, trust, respect, and boundaries
• Provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment with appropriate supervision
• Use everyday situations to teach problem-solving, communication, accountability, coping, and life skills
• Recognize potential problems early and use proactive strategies to prevent escalation
• Use behavior-management and de-escalation techniques to promote healthier responses
• Help youth gain insight into choices and learn self-correction
• Understand each youth's treatment plan and provide supervision and interventions
• Participate in group, behavioral, and life-space interventions and provide feedback
• Safely transport youth to activities and community resources following protocols
• Collaborate with team and professionals to review progress and improve programming
• Follow medication-management guidelines and program procedures
• Develop knowledge of BHIS
• Complete required daily documentation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services related field

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

FOUR OAKS FAMILY AND CHILDRENS SERVICES in Bertram/Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking an Entry level Youth Counselor for the STOP Campus. You will work with adolescent boys ages 12–17, providing structure, support, and consistent supervision during a critical developmental period.

The role emphasizes hands-on engagement, teaching life skills, accountability, and positive coping strategies in a highly structured residential program.