Youth Counselor

Grant Gardens; Ashland (KY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Gardens in Ashland, KY seeks a Youth Counselor to supervise and support teens in residential treatment. You will assist adolescents aged 13–17 in daily routines, activities, and treatment goals within a trauma‑informed, caring environment.

The role requires strong communication, patience, teamwork, and precise documentation. A high school diploma or GED is required; CPR, First Aid, AED, and TCI certifications are obtained within agency timelines.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, observation, teamwork, and documentation skills.
• Ability to follow treatment plans, safety procedures, supervisory direction, and confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide active supervision and maintain resident safety during daily routines, activities, campus transitions, and assigned community outings.
• Build positive, professional relationships through consistency, encouragement, active listening, and appropriate boundaries.
• Support daily living routines, including hygiene, meals, chores, school transitions, recreation, and bedtime.
• Coach residents in coping skills, emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and positive peer interactions.
• Facilitate or assist with recreational activities, structured groups, and skill-building opportunities.
• Implement assigned components of treatment plans, behavior support strategies, and safety plans under supervisory and clinical direction.
• Recognize early signs of distress and use approved crisis prevention and verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Document behavioral observations, safety checks, activities, and incidents accurately and promptly.
• Communicate resident progress, concerns, and important updates during shift handoffs and treatment team discussions.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, Youth Counselors, therapists, nursing staff, and educators.
• Protect resident confidentiality, report safety concerns, and maintain professional boundaries.

Skills

Communication

Observation

Teamwork

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Are you ready for new challenges and new opportunities?

Join our team!

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Bring your patience. Build their confidence. Make your work matter.

At Grant Gardens, you can help teens build coping skills, develop confidence, and move toward a healthier future. We are seeking Youth Counselors to provide direct care, mentorship, and behavioral support to adolescents ages 13-17 receiving residential treatment. Join a team where consistency, compassion, and teamwork make a difference in everyday moments.

As a Youth Counselor, you will provide active supervision, support daily routines, lead activities, and reinforce individualized treatment goals in a structured, trauma-informed environment. This role offers practical experience relevant to behavioral health, psychology, social services, education, juvenile services, and healthcare. Candidates with experience in youth programs, childcare, direct support, or mental health services are encouraged to apply.

What You'll Do

Provide active supervision and maintain resident safety during daily routines, activities, campus transitions, and assigned community outings.

Build positive, professional relationships through consistency, encouragement, active listening, and appropriate boundaries.

Support daily living routines, including hygiene, meals, chores, school transitions, recreation, and bedtime.

Coach residents in coping skills, emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, and positive peer interactions.

Facilitate or assist with recreational activities, structured groups, and skill-building opportunities.

Implement assigned components of treatment plans, behavior support strategies, and safety plans under supervisory and clinical direction.

Recognize early signs of distress and use approved crisis prevention and verbal de-escalation techniques.

Respond to immediate safety concerns using approved Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques only as trained and authorized.

Document behavioral observations, safety checks, activities, and incidents accurately and promptly.

Communicate resident progress, concerns, and important updates during shift handoffs and treatment team discussions.

Work collaboratively with supervisors, Youth Counselors, therapists, nursing staff, and educators.

Protect resident confidentiality, report safety concerns, and maintain professional boundaries.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED.

Meet applicable agency and regulatory minimum age requirements of 21 years or older.

Ability to provide attentive supervision and remain calm during challenging situations.

Strong communication, observation, teamwork, and documentation skills.

Ability to follow treatment plans, safety procedures, supervisory direction, and confidentiality requirements.

Basic computer skills and willingness to learn electronic documentation systems.

Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, AED, and TCI certifications within required agency timeframes.

Ability to meet required background clearance, health screening, and employment requirements.

Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and required automobile insurance when driving is assigned.

Preferred Experience

Experience working with children or adolescents.

Experience in residential treatment, behavioral health, child welfare, education, childcare, juvenile services, or other human services.

Experience as a Mental Health Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, Direct Support Professional, Youth Care Worker, Residential Counselor, or in a similar direct-care role.

Familiarity with trauma-informed care, positive behavioral support, mentoring, or crisis de-escalation.

Relevant experience is preferred. We also welcome applicants who demonstrate patience, sound judgment, dependability, and a willingness to learn.

This is an active, on-site direct-care position involving supervision, structured activities, and support during emotionally challenging situations. Duties include standing, walking, bending, and responding promptly to emergencies. Employees must be able to participate in required TCI training and approved safety interventions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions.