Residential Youth Counselor

Washington County Mental Health Services; Barre (VT); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to supporting at-risk youth in a meaningful way. As a Residential Youth Counselor, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young individuals facing emotional and behavioral challenges. This role involves providing mentorship, implementing behavior plans, and fostering a safe environment that promotes personal growth. You will engage youth in various activities, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive. If you are passionate about helping others and want to contribute to a compassionate community, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Sign-On Bonus

Quarterly Stipends

Paid Training

Tuition Reimbursement

Generous Paid Time Off

Comprehensive Health Coverage

403(b) Retirement Plan

Employer-Paid Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Free Wellness Resources

Qualifications

• Compassionate nature with ability to build trust with youth.
• Experience in behavioral health or education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide mentorship and emotional support to at-risk youth.
• Implement individualized behavior plans and daily living skills.

Skills

Crisis Management

Behavioral Support Strategies

Communication Skills

Emotional Support

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Position Type:Full-Time
Reports To:Team Supervisor
Salary Range:$23.59 - $24.77 per hour

*$5,000 Sign-On Bonus*

Opportunity to Make a Meaningful Impact

The Source and Recruit Company has been retained to assist in recruiting a Residential Youth Counselor for Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS), an organization that has served the Washington County community and surrounding areas for over 50 years.

WCMHS is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through inclusive and trauma-informed services, the organization helps individuals achieve wellness in a collaborative and supportive environment.

The Role

The Residential Youth Counselor will play a key role in supporting at-risk youth in diverse settings including the community, home, and school. This position provides an opportunity to help youth build essential life skills, develop coping strategies, and work toward personal goals in a structured, supportive environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing mentorship and emotional support to youth experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Deliver direct support and counseling to residents, cultivating a positive encouraging atmosphere that promotes growth.
• Implementing individualized behavior plans and supporting residents with daily living skills.
• Creating a safe and nurturing environment through active listening, crisis de-escalation techniques, and proactive interventions.
• Engaging youth in recreational and skill-building activities, such as sports, arts & crafts, outdoor excursions, and community outings.
• Documenting progress and communicating with care teams to ensure that each youth receives personalized, effective support.

Ideal Candidate Profile:
Successful candidates will possess:

• A compassionate and empathetic nature, with the ability to build trusting relationships with youth.
• The ability to remain calm and adaptable in high-pressure situations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with youth, families, and care teams.
• A willingness to develop and apply crisis intervention and behavioral support strategies.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of experience in behavioral health, education, residential programs, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to learn and perform crisis management and physical intervention techniques.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist in behavioral interventions when necessary.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly rate: $23.59- $24.77(with shift differentials for evenings, weekends, and holidays).
• Sign-on Bonus:$5,000 for full-time hires.
• Quarterly Stipends:$500 - $650.
• Shift Differentials:$1.50 - $2.00 per hour for second shift, third shift, and weekend hours.
• Paid training and career advancement opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan assistance.
• Hours worked may contribute to bachelor’s degree internship requirements.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 36.5 days in the first year (vacation, sick leave, and agency closures).
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Financial Security: 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Employer-Paid Life, Disability, and AD&D Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and childcare expenses.
• Free wellness and self-care resources for employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) and The Source and Recruit Company are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable hiring process. Applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are encouraged to apply. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and organizational needs, without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, or other protected categories.