Youth Counselor

Grant Gardens; South Point (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Gardens seeks Youth Counselors to provide direct care, mentorship, and behavioral support to adolescents aged 13–17 in residential treatment. Join a team where consistency, compassion, and teamwork make a difference in everyday moments.

As a Youth Counselor, you will supervise residents, support daily routines, and reinforce treatment goals in a structured, trauma-informed setting. Candidates with experience in youth programs or mental health services are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Ability to supervise patiently and remain calm.
• Strong communication, observation, teamwork, and documentation.
• Ability to follow treatment plans and confidentiality requirements.
• Willingness to obtain CPR/First Aid/TCI certifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide active supervision and maintain resident safety during daily routines and activities.
• Build positive relationships through consistency, encouragement, and boundaries.
• Support daily living routines including hygiene, meals, chores, and school transitions.
• Coach residents in coping skills and emotional regulation.
• Facilitate recreational activities and skill-building groups.
• Document observations and communicate progress during handoffs.
• Collaborate with therapists, nursing staff, and educators.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Respond to emergencies using approved crisis techniques.

Skills

Active supervision

Professional relationships

Crisis de-escalation

Communication

Observation

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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.