RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR BEHAVIOR YOUTH SUPPORT FT

NEW HOPE CAROLINAS INC; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

NEW HOPE CAROLINAS INC in Rock Hill, SC is seeking a Residential Counselor to provide direct care and behavioral intervention to youth in a Level 4 residential treatment setting.

You will implement individualized treatment plans, use trauma-informed approaches, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support youth growth and safety. Strong communication and crisis de-escalation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; must be at least 21 years old.
• Background checks, drug screening, and state employment clearances required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred or 1 year of behavioral healthcare experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and therapeutic support to residents.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment.
• Implement individualized treatment and behavior support plans; daily programming.
• Document incidents, progress notes, and shift reports accurately and timely.
• Respond to emergencies and safety concerns; de-escalate when possible.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Documentation & record-keeping

Professional judgment & ethics

Electronic health records

Office technology

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred

Tools

Electronic health records

Office software

Job description

Position Summary

Since our opening in 1987, New Hope Treatment Centers has been a welcoming place for young people in moments of crisis. The Residential Counselor position is responsible for providing direct care, support, and behavioral intervention services to youth in a Level 4 residential treatment setting. Residents may present with severe emotional, behavioral, psychiatric, and physically aggressive behaviors. Residential Counselors are responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment while utilizing trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches to support youth growth and treatment goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and therapeutic support to residents.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment.
• Implement individualized treatment plans, behavior support plans, and daily programming.
• Utilize verbal de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies during escalated situations.
• Perform approved physical restraints and safety interventions in accordance with agency policy and training.
• Monitor resident behaviors and document incidents, progress notes, and shift reports accurately and timely.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while building positive therapeutic relationships with youth.
• Conduct room searches, safety checks, and environmental monitoring as required.
• Participate in team meetings, training, supervision, and treatment planning discussions.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, behavioral crises, AWOL attempts, and safety concerns.
• Assist in the maintenance of time records.

Competencies

The Residential Counselor must demonstrate competence in the following areas:

Crisis Intervention & Behavioral Management

• Ability to remain calm and effective during high-stress and crisis situations.
• Skilled in verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Ability to safely implement nonviolent crisis intervention and physical restraints when necessary.

Trauma-Informed Care

• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of trauma on youth behavior and emotional regulation.
• Responds to residents with empathy, consistency, and professionalism.

Relationship Building

• Builds therapeutic and professional relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Encourages positive behavior change through trust, accountability, and support.

Communication Skills

• Communicates clearly and professionally with residents, families, coworkers, and leadership.
• Completes accurate documentation and incident reporting in a timely manner.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Accept feedback, direction, and coaching from supervisors.

Professionalism & Reliability

• Demonstrates dependability, accountability, and ethical behavior.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in all situations.

Safety & Awareness

• Maintains awareness of resident behaviors, environmental risks, and potential safety concerns.
• Follows all safety procedures and agency protocols consistently.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and any state-mandated employment clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred or 1-year minimum experience in behavioral healthcare.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, or individuals in behavioral health, residential treatment, or human services settings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain organized records.
• Professional judgment, discretion, and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and standard office technology.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Work is performed in a behavioral health treatment environment that may involve exposure to emotionally distressed individuals.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to behavioral emergencies involving residents weighing approximately 50–200+ pounds of varying heights and body compositions.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds, carry up to 25 pounds, and push/pull up to 100 pounds as part of daily job responsibilities and emergency response situations.
• Ability to walk for 6–8 hours per shift and stand and/or sit for extended periods of time, including up to 4+ hours consecutively.
• Must be able to kneel, squat, crouch, and climb multiple flights of stairs throughout the workday as required to maintain resident supervision and safety.
• Ability to maintain awake, alert, and oriented status throughout the entire shift to ensure continuous line-of-sight supervision and adherence to safety protocols.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use standard office equipment.
• Ability to respond to crisis situations, which may require quick movement.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and any state-mandated employment clearances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred or 1-year minimum experience in behavioral healthcare.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, or individuals in behavioral health, residential treatment, or human services settings.