Youth Counselor

Woodward Academy; Woodward (IA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan (401k)

Paid time off

Holidays off

Birthday off (paid)

Wellness program

Free on-site meals

Gym access

Life insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan assistance

Parental leave

DailyPay

Housing assistance available

Supplemental insurance

Job summary

Woodward Academy in Woodward, Iowa, seeks a Youth Counselor to provide direct care and supervise youth, guiding daily activities and ensuring safety on and off campus. You will work with middle- and high-school students to promote positive behavior and progress toward treatment goals under the guidance of the Group Leader.

This entry-level role offers training paid in full, scheduling 3:00 PM–11:00 PM including weekends, with opportunities for advancement and a comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Team-focused mindset with strong communication skills.
• Ability to stay calm and confident in challenging situations.
• Must read, write, hear and speak in English.
• Reliable transportation to the worksite.
• Ability to pass a full background check, including fingerprinting.
• Physically capable of assisting with escorts or restraints when needed.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, positive relationships with youth through daily interactions and structured activities.
• Model teamwork, accountability, and respect to encourage positive behaviors.
• Collaborate with peers to maintain a supportive and safe environment.
• Guide youth through recreational, vocational, and life-skill development programs.
• Respond calmly and effectively in moments of crisis, providing reassurance and direction.
• Accurately complete required reports and documentation to support ongoing care.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Read/write English

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job description:

Youth Counselor | Make a Difference Every Day

Description

Job description:

Youth Counselor | Make a Difference Every Day

Location: On-site in Woodward, Iowa - Full-Time Only Available

$1,000 Sign-On Bonus

About The Role

The Youth Counselor's primary function is to provide direct care and supervision of Woodward Academy’s youth. Direct care duties include supervising and supporting youth during daily activities to observe or effect changes in their social behavior and maintain the safety of youth and teammates on and off campus. You will work with middle- and high-school-aged youth to stimulate interest and cooperation in individual and group activities. Youth counselors participate in the treatment of individual youths through observation, interaction, assessment, limit setting, and implementation and communication of treatment goals and treatment progress. Youth counselors also facilitate and assist in developing a positive peer culture with the guidance of the Group Leader. This entry-level position offers opportunities for advancement and leadership across the organization, including supervisory positions, case management, and more.

Pay & Benefits

Full-Time: $19.00–$20.00/hour

Training: Fully paid; all safety and skill-based training provided

Full-Time Schedules Start At

• 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM - Including weekends

Join Our Team

Are you someone who thrives on teamwork, leads with empathy, and believes in the power of positive influence? Join a mission-driven organization where collaboration, support, and growth are at the heart of what we do. As a Youth Counselor, you’ll help create a safe, engaging, and empowering environment for youth to build confidence, life skills, and brighter futures.

What You’ll Do

• Build strong, positive relationships with youth through daily interactions and structured activities
• Model teamwork, accountability, and respect to encourage positive behaviors
• Collaborate with peers to maintain a supportive and safe environment
• Guide youth through recreational, vocational, and life-skill development programs
• Respond calmly and effectively in moments of crisis, providing reassurance and direction
• Accurately complete required reports and documentation to support ongoing care

What You Bring And Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent - Required
• A team-focused mindset and strong communication skills
• The ability to stay calm and confident in challenging situations
• Must be able to read, write, hear and speak in English
• Reliable transportation to the worksite
• Ability to pass a full background check, including fingerprinting
• Emotionally and physically able to perform physical escorts and/or restraints of the students to ensure a safe and secure environment

Full-Time Employee Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement program
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan assistance
• Paid time off, holiday pay, and your birthday off (paid)
• Additional 4 weeks paid leave after 7 years of service and every 5 years thereafter
• Free on-site meals and 24/7 gym access
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental leave
• DailyPay – Access your earnings before payday
• Coaching opportunities
• Housing assistance available
• Supplemental insurance
• Years of service recognition

Why You’ll Love It Here

You won’t do this work alone. You’ll be part of a trauma responsive team that is supportive, hands-on that celebrates wins, backs each other up, and works together to change lives for the better.