Residential Counselor FT

Casa-De-Amparo; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Casa de Amparo in California seeks a Residential Counselor to help youth ages 12–17 and nonminor dependents feel safe and supported in a residential treatment setting. You will supervise daily activities, lead group/individual sessions, and document progress according to care plans.

Depending on experience, you may advance to assist with team leadership and program oversight, ensuring staff-to-client ratios and quality care aligned with clinical plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or applicable certificate in human services or related field.
• Valid Child Development Teaching Permit or related credential.
• Completion of 12 semester units in relevant child/youth development subjects with 100 hours of youth work.
• Certificate in addiction counseling (Alcohol/Drug) with youth experience is preferred.
• Trade-journeyperson credentials with youth mentoring or coaching experience.
• Previous full-time work or volunteer experience in child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice can be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist in ensuring resident safety and daily activities per schedule.
• Supervise and support residents; lead group and individual activities for structure.
• Support medication administration and accurate documentation per plan.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed and collaborate with clinical staff.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings; sign up for on-call shifts when required.
• Record progress notes and coordinate with QA and Facilities staff; manage clothing supplies.
• Transport residents to appointments in agency vehicles when required.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (human science preferred)

Child Development Teaching Permit

12 semester units in Early Childhood Education / Adolescent Development / Foster & Kinship Care Education + 100 hours experience with youth

Alcohol/Drug Counselor certificate + 100 hours with youth

Vocational training certificate / journeyperson with youth mentoring experience

Experience in group home / STRTP / substance abuse program (1 year)

Job description

As a Residential Counselor at Casa de Amparo, you'll play a direct role in helping young people ages 12–17, including nonminor dependents and their children, feel safe, supported, and cared for in a residential treatment setting. You'll provide day-to-day supervision and support that keeps youth physically safe and emotionally grounded, leading group and individual activities that bring structure and stability to their daily lives. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you may also step into a facility manager role, helping guide the team that supports these young people. Every shift you work helps advance Casa de Amparo's mission to help children and families heal, grow, and thrive.MAJOR TASKS:Assist in assuring the safety of residents and their children in Residential Services.Carry out daily activities of residents per the daily schedule; i.e. chores, passes, school attendance, meals, recreation, medical appointments, visits, and court appointments.Assist residents in self-administration of their medication and document accurately in accordance with the Residential Services Heath Care and Medication Training plan.Provide crisis intervention as necessary.Provide care that is knowledgeable and respectful of differing cultures and the norms that exist within various cultures.Be knowledgeable of resident’s clinical treatment plans and collaborate with clinical staff to provide services consistent with plans.Attend all required staff meetings and in-service trainings.Ability to sign up for on call shifts regularly as required by the program to ensure that staff to client ratios are maintained at all times.Record daily progress notes for each resident and provide to Quality Assurance Specialist for filing.Assure that clients have adequate clothing per the clothing inventory standards. Complete a supply request for needs which cannot be met through existing supplies.Submit maintenance requests via intranet for completion by Facilities Team.Report all janitorial and hygiene needs to Residential Services Supervisor.Transport residents to appointments using agency and/or personal vehicle.Perform other administrative tasks as assigned.Must be able to be associated with Casa de Amparo through Community Care Licensing (CCL), which typically includes clearance by FBI, DOJ and CACI.Education and/or experience requirements:Have a Bachelor’s Degree (in human science field preferred) ORHave a valid Child Development Teaching Permit ORHave completed 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development or Foster and Kinship Care Education and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth ORHave a valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth ORHave a valid vocational training certificate, credential or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills and have at least 100 hours of experience working with youth as a mentor, athletic coach, teacher, vocational coach, tutor, counselor or other relevant experience as determined by the department ORHave previously been employed as a full time staff or served as a volunteer at a group home, STRTP or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year ORHave relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice systems as a consumer, mentor or caregiver or other relevant experience as determined by the department.Knowledge of developmental needs of children ages 0-18 years throughout the developmental stages preferred.Must possess maturity, good judgment and the ability to be a positive role model for children.Must be a professional with the ability to effectively set limits and function in crisis and high stress situations. Must be able to work as part of a team and be able to work shifts up to 10 hours in length. Must have ambulatory, auditory and visual skills to observe and physically intervene with residents when required.English proficient/Bilingual and bicultural preferred.Must have the physical ability to participate in activities and perform related physical skills, including, but not limited to, crouching, lifting 50 pounds, crawling on hands and knees, and walking up and down stairs.Ability to comply with all employment requirements including, but not limited to CPR/Pediatric 1st Aid, physical, TB and drug screen clearance, clear DMV record and approval from insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles. Must provide proof of immunization against influenza, pertussis, and measles.Must be at least 21 years of age.