Residential Youth Counselor/ Mentor

CJR; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company provided vehicle during work

Medical Insurance Plan

Dental & Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Paid Holidays & Floating Holidays

401(k) with Company Match

Job summary

CJR is seeking a Residential Youth Counselor/Mentor in Waterbury, CT to provide direct care and supervise adolescents within a residential program. You will reinforce treatment plans, lead groups, and deliver therapeutic programming under supervision, while maintaining safety and confidentiality.

The role requires driving a company vehicle during work hours, flexibility to work Wed-Sat 7am-5pm, and commitment to ongoing professional development in trauma-informed care and youth development.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 6 months experience with at-risk youth.
• Valid driver's license with access to company vehicle.
• Pass background checks and obtain First Aid/CPR and Medication Administration certifications.
• TCI certification or willingness to obtain.
• Flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confidentiality and policy compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervise adolescents in a residential setting.
• Facilitate groups and deliver therapeutic programming.
• Conduct crisis intervention and safety checks as needed.
• Monitor environment for safety hazards and contraband.
• Collaborate with clinicians, supervisors, and families.
• Assist youth with daily living skills and promote independence.
• Document youth behavior and progress for treatment planning.
• Transport clients using company vehicle when required.
• Maintain confidentiality and complete required reports on time.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Conflict de-escalation

Physical fitness

Confidentiality

Professional development

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Residential Youth Counselor/ Mentor - Job #20
Full-Time - $23.97 per hour
Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 7am-5pm
Waterbury, CT06702

ABOUT THIS POSITION:

The Residential Youth Mentor/ Counselor position will provide direct care, supervise, and assist the adolescents (during school and group times), and act as a role model reinforcing the adolescent’s individualized treatment plan. In addition, the Youth Mentor will facilitate groups as appropriate and will conduct therapeutic programming under the supervision of the Rehabilitation Therapist. The Youth Mentor must be sensitive to unique issues such as mental health, suicide and contraband.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of youth by providing immediate crisis intervention when necessary
• Conduct regular headcounts and safety checks to confirm all clients are accounted for and secure
• Perform routine bed checks to ensure youth are present and resting appropriately
• Monitor the environment for safety hazards or contraband and address issues promptly
• Support youth with physical or emotional needs to ensure their safety and comfort
• Observe and document youth behavior and progress to inform treatment planning
• Collaborate with clinicians, shift supervisors, and team members to ensure consistent and effective care
• Assist youth with daily living skills and promote independence
• Lead engaging daily activities and facilitate groups to promote personal growth and social skills
• Deliver therapeutic programming, including Restorative Justice Practices and DBT-Lite, tailored to individual needs
• Reinforce and role model individualized youth plans
• Manage and de-escalate conflicts or behavioral issues using approved intervention techniques
• Clearly communicate program goals, activities, and progress to youth and their families
• Use a company-provided vehicle to transport clients and families safely and reliably during work hours
• Maintain confidentiality of all client information in accordance with agency policies and legal requirements
• Complete all required documentation and reports accurately and on time
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions to stay current on best practices and program updates
• Engage in ongoing professional development related to mental health, trauma-informed care, and youth development
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for all youth and staff
• Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality

SCHEDULE AND RATE OF PAY

• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:00am-5:00pm
  • You must be able to work all holidays this schedule falls on as this is residential program
• Rate of pay is $23.97 per hour
  • You will receive holiday pay for the days your schedule falls on a holiday that you are working on
• Pick up extra shifts if they’re available/ offered to you (optional)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED – Required
• Minimum of 6 months of experience working directly with at-risk, court-involved, or system-involved adolescents – Required
• Valid driver’s license to operate and utilize the company-provided vehicle – Required
• Ability to pass background checks and obtain all required certifications (First Aid/CPR, Medication Administration)– Required
• Certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or willingness to obtain it within a specified timeframe
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong personal effectiveness and credibility
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members, clinicians, and families
• Leadership skills and the ability to de-escalate behavioral and conflict situations
• Ability to perform physical tasks and maintain safety in a youth care environment
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adhering to agency policies and legal requirements
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development and training in trauma-informed care, youth development, and mental health

FULL-TIME BENEFITS:

At CJR, we pride ourselves on creating a compassionate, culturally responsive work environment and offering a comprehensive benefits package that encourages and supports a healthy work/life balance. Joining our team, full-time employees will enjoy the following benefits:

• Company provided vehicle used during work hours
• Low-cost Medical Insurance Plan option
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance offered after 30 days of employment
• Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Generous Paid Vacation Package (unused time eligible for carry over)
• Generous Paid Sick Time (unused time eligible for carry over)
• Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time)
• Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and paid holiday time)
• Annual monetary incentives
• Tuition Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
• Employee discounts (cell phone, computer)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid
• 10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance

ABOUT CJR:

A career at CJR is focused on working to ensure that every young person has an opportunity to thrive! CJR reaches across the state of Connecticut to deliver a broad continuum of care through our residential, education, wellness, and community-based programs.At CJR, you will experience a fulfilling career with an employer that encourages advancement, respects diversity, and rewards excellence!

CJR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry. We embrace theTE competitive advantage of diversity.