Overnight Youth Counselor - Safe, Supportive Care

The Sheltercare Program of Northern Virginia; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Job summary

The Sheltercare Program of Northern Virginia is seeking a Full-Time Overnight Counselor to supervise at-risk adolescents (ages 10–17) in our residential program, providing a safe, structured overnight environment. The ideal candidate is dependable, attentive, and capable of working independently while responding to behavioral, mental health, or safety concerns overnight.

Schedule features 10-hour evening shifts; in-person work location; pay $26.00–$28.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Ability to build rapport with adolescents.
• Experience with youth, behavioral health, residential services, juvenile justice or related field preferred.
• Ability to remain alert and attentive during the overnight shift.
• Strong crisis-management and de-escalation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Bilingual/Spanish is a plus.
• Must work weekends and overnight hours.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and monitoring of youth during evening hours.
• Maintain the safety and security of residents and the facility throughout the shift.
• Conduct required overnight room checks and document observations.
• Respond to behavioral concerns, crises, or emergencies using appropriate de-escalation techniques.
• Support youth who may experience difficulty sleeping, emotional distress, or other concerns during the night.
• Complete required documentation, including daily logs, incident reports, case notes, and other program records.
• Ensure important information from the overnight shift is communicated to incoming staff.
• Assist youth with the morning routine, including waking, hygiene, preparation for school, and other scheduled activities.
• Maintain program expectations, structure, and appropriate boundaries with residents.
• Complete light program-related duties during overnight hours as assigned.
• Collaborate with other staff members to support the safety, well-being, and treatment goals of residents.
• Transport youth when necessary, including during emergencies or other program needs.

Skills

Rapport with teens

Overnight availability

Crisis management

Written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

Bilingual/Spanish a plus

Job description

The Sheltercare Program of Northern Virginia is seeking a Full-Time Overnight Counselor to supervise at-risk adolescents (ages 10–17) in our residential program, providing a safe, structured overnight environment. The ideal candidate is dependable, attentive, and capable of working independently while responding to behavioral, mental health, or safety concerns overnight.

Schedule features 10-hour evening shifts; in-person work location; pay $26.00–$28.00 per hour.