Residential Youth Counselor

Washington County Mental Health Services Inc; Barre Town (VT); On-site; USD 32,828 - 34,508; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

Retirement plan match

Flexible paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation days

Job summary

Washington County Mental Health Services is seeking a Residential Youth Counselor to support at-risk youth across home, school, and community settings. You will mentor, counsel, and implement individualized plans to promote growth and coping skills.

The role requires a high school diploma (Bachelor's preferred), 1+ year in behavioral health, and strong communication. A driver’s license and English note-taking are essential; benefits include paid time off and comprehensive coverage.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree or coursework in psychology, education, or related preferred.
• One year of experience in behavioral health, education, residential programs, or related field preferred.
• Ability to learn crisis and physical intervention techniques.
• Compassionate, respectful and empathetic by nature toward individuals with behavioral or emotional challenges.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with youth, families, and care teams.
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record and access to a suitable vehicle.
• English proficiency to deliver services and complete notes.

Responsibilities

• Provide mentorship and emotional support to youth facing emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Deliver direct support and counseling to residents, fostering a positive environment.
• Implement individualized behavior plans and support daily living skills.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing environment using active listening, crisis de-escalation, and proactive interventions.
• Engage youth in recreational and skill-building activities, community outings, and sports or arts.
• Document progress and communicate with care teams to tailor effective support.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Crisis intervention

Empathy

Driver's license

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree or college coursework in psychology, education, or related

Job description

Residential Youth CounselorThe 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.Summary of DutiesProviding 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.Compensation and BenefitsWCMHS provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and a generous retirement plan match. Our paid time off package is industry-leading and includes 12.5 flexible paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 12 vacation days accrued in your first year of employment.The starting pay rate for this position is $23.83-$25.05 per hour. This position works in locations with round the clock, 365 day coverage needs. Shift differentials are available.Summary of QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent requiredBachelors degree or college coursework in psychology, education, or related preferredOne year of experience in behavioral health, education, residential programs, or a related field preferredAbility to learn and perform crisis intervention and physical intervention techniquesCompassionate, respectful, and empathetic nature, especially regarding individuals with behavioral or emotional challengesStrong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with youth, families, and care teamsDemonstrated ability to remain calm and adaptable in stressful or high-pressure situationsValid driver's license, a clean driving record, and work-hours access to a safe, inspected, and insured vehicleAbility to deliver services and complete treatment notes in EnglishWork EnvironmentWork occurs in home, school, and community settings. Frequent transportation of clients, in one's own vehicle if no agency-owned vehicles are available. Physical restraint of clients may be necessary, within guidance and training from program leadership. May need to lift up to 50lbs.About the AgencyFor more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the Orange County towns of Orange, Washington, and Williamstown. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment to individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high-quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Mental Health Services is “Where Hope and Support Come Together.”#DSP