Youth Counselor

Virginia Home for Boys and Girls; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Home for Boys and Girls seeks a full-time, on-site Youth Counselor in Henrico, VA. The role focuses on supervising and guiding youth, facilitating structured activities, and supporting emotional safety.

Youth counselors implement individualized service plans, document progress, and collaborate with educators, therapists, and families while promoting equity and crisis de-escalation skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with youth in residential, educational, or community settings is highly valued.
• Ability to build trusting, professional relationships with youth and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily support, supervision, and guidance to youth in group homes and related programs.
• Promote emotional safety, positive behavior, and life skills development.
• Document behavior and progress; support therapeutic interventions under clinical direction.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Documentation

Communication

Life skills instruction

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education, or related field

Job description

Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Youth Counselor role located in Henrico, VA. The Youth Counselor provides daily support, supervision, and guidance to youth in group homes and related programs, promoting emotional safety, positive behavior, and life skills development. Responsibilities include implementing individualized service plans, facilitating structured activities, documenting behavior and progress, and supporting therapeutic interventions under clinical direction. The role involves collaborating with educators, therapists, case managers, and families, participating in team meetings, and communicating consistently about youth needs and goals. Youth Counselors also help maintain a trauma-informed, inclusive environment, respond to crises using approved de-escalation techniques, and ensure that program policies and safety standards are followed.

Qualifications

• Experience working directly with youth or young adults in residential, educational, or community-based settings, with the ability to build trusting, professional relationships.
• Skills in behavior management, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care, including the use of de-escalation techniques and supportive communication strategies.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills to record observations, follow treatment plans, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to model positive coping skills, teach life skills (such as problem-solving and daily living skills), and support emotional and social growth.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education, or a related field is preferred.
• Willingness to work a consistent schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, and to participate in required training and professional development.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and non-discriminatory practice, and to supporting youth from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record