LEAD RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR

Pine Haven Boys Center; Pembroke (NH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Pine Haven Boys Center in Allenstown, NH is seeking a Lead Residential Counselor to oversee a residential program for boys ages 6–14 who have experienced trauma and behavioral challenges. You will provide direct care and help sustain structured, therapeutic living environments.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed leadership, staff mentorship, safety, and coordination with supervisors. Requires CPI/First Aid/CPR certification eligibility, and appropriate education in human services.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Associate's Degree with a minimum of 12 credits in Human Services field.
• Or Bachelor's Degree.
• High school diploma (or equivalent) with at least seven years of parenting and/or 2 years experience working with children in a full time capacity.
• Prior experience working with children with behavioral and emotional challenges is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain certification in CPI, First Aid, and CPR.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all residents at all times.
• Create and maintain a structured and therapeutic living environment.
• Model and teach daily living skills, healthy routines, and positive social behaviors.
• Use de-escalation strategies and trauma-informed interventions to manage dysregulated behavior.
• Develop appropriate, supportive relationships with residents based on trust and consistency.
• Promote and uphold residents’ rights and dignity in all interactions.
• Facilitate and participate in structured recreational and therapeutic activities.
• Respond to emergencies and administer first aid when needed.
• Provide on-shift leadership, support, and direction to other residential counselors.
• Ensure that daily routines, safety protocols, and therapeutic interventions are followed.
• Act as the point person for shift coordination and communication with supervisors.
• Mentor junior staff and assist in training or onboarding as needed.
• Monitor documentation and shift reports to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Skills

Experience with behavioral/emotionalch

CPI Certification

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

About the Role:

Pine Haven Boys Center is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian residential and educational facility serving boys ages 6–14 who have experienced trauma, neglect, and behavioral or emotional challenges. Set on 100+ acres in Allenstown, NH—just 10 minutes south of Concord and 15 minutes north of Manchester—our intensive therapeutic and academic programs help students grow academically, emotionally, and socially.

We are looking for an experienced and compassionate individual to step into a leadership role in our residential program. This opportunity is ideal for someone looking to continue a career in Human Services and grow into a leadership position while remaining directly involved in youth care.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Pine Haven is seeking a dedicated and trauma-informed Lead Residential Counselor to join our team in Allenstown, NH. This position not only involves providing direct care to our residents but also includes oversight and support of other residential staff during shifts. Our ideal candidate is a natural leader, calm under pressure, and committed to maintaining a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for youth with complex needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Resident Support:

• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all residents at all times.
• Create and maintain a structured and therapeutic living environment.
• Model and teach daily living skills, healthy routines, and positive social behaviors.
• Use de-escalation strategies and trauma-informed interventions to manage dysregulated behavior.
• Develop appropriate, supportive relationships with residents based on trust and consistency.
• Promote and uphold residents’ rights and dignity in all interactions.
• Facilitate and participate in structured recreational and therapeutic activities.
• Respond to emergencies and administer first aid when needed.

Leadership & Team Support:

• Provide on-shift leadership, support, and direction to other residential counselors.
• Ensure that daily routines, safety protocols, and therapeutic interventions are followed.
• Act as the point person for shift coordination and communication with supervisors.
• Mentor junior staff and assist in training or onboarding as needed.
• Monitor documentation and shift reports to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Schedule:

• Two rotating schedules: Sunday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Saturday.
• Weekday shifts typically run from 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
• Weekend and holiday shifts typically run from 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
• Must be available for holidays, vacation weeks, and occasional on-call or overtime as needed.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Associate's Degree with a minimum of 12 credits in Human Services field
• Or Bachelor's Degree
• High school diploma (or equivalent) with at least seven years of parenting and/or 2 years experience working with children in a full time capacity.
• Prior experience working with children with behavioral and emotional challenges is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), First Aid, and CPR.

Education/Requirements:

• Required: Direct care staff shall be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, or general equivalency diploma, and meet one of the following pre-service training and education requirements:
• (1) An associate's or higher degree with a minimum of 12 credits in the field of human services,
  or other field related to residential care, awarded by a regionally accredited college or university.
• (2) The equivalent of 2 years of full-time experience working with children, either as a paid employee or volunteer.
• (3) Any combination of college credits in human services and experience with children that total