Youth Treatment Counselor

Orchard Place; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits and time off

PSLF program eligibility

Professional development opportunities

Career ladder with pay increases

Family-friendly scheduling

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Orchard Place in Des Moines, IA seeks a Youth Treatment Counselor to support the residential program and youth treatment goals. The role focuses on creating a therapeutic environment and aligning with care plans to reduce restraints where possible.

The position requires direct youth work experience, leadership, and a valid driver’s license, with a structured four-day schedule and afternoon/evening hours. A professional development ladder provides ongoing growth.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate leadership and ability to solve problems in a care setting.
• Demonstrated passion for mental health and human services.
• Experience working directly with children, youth and families.
• Valid driver's license and driving record meeting agency guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Improve each child’s mental health and emotional well-being in a safe environment.
• Support treatment planning and assist in Individual Care Plan implementation.
• Plan and facilitate social skills groups.
• Advocate for residents and families, building meaningful relationships.
• Learn and apply intervention techniques like TBRI, Sanctuary Model and TACT2.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Mental health passion

Experience with youth

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

Associate's degree + 3 years youth/family experience

High school diploma + 5 years youth/family experience

Job description

At Orchard Place, we are dedicated to building a brighter future for children and families through compassionate care, early intervention, and community integration. Join our team and be part of a mission-driven organization that values diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Job Title

Youth Treatment Counselor

Pay for this position is posted at:

$18.00 - $21.00 (Our professional development career ladder offers the opportunity to receive periodic $1.00 per hour pay rate increases and promotions upon completion of each career ladder step(typically every 3-6 months))

Schedule for this position

Structured in a 4-day work week. Sunday–Wednesday OR Wednesday-Saturday. Hours will vary, with emphasis on afternoon/evening hours needed.

Position Overview

Works under the direct supervision of the Milieu Treatment Coordinator for assigned building. Is responsible for supervision of youth and operation of the assigned residential program. Supports the overall vision of reducing physical restraints and lock seclusions by creating a sanctuary of safety that eliminates barriers to healing.

Key Responsibilities

• Improve each child’s mental health and emotional well-being by providing a safe and therapeutic environment
• Participate as an active member of the treatment plan; assisting in the development and implementation of Individual Care Plans
• Plan and facilitate social skills groups
• Act as an advocate for the residents and families, developing a meaningful relationship with the residents and families
• Learn, develop and implement intervention techniques consistent with Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), The Sanctuary Model, and Therapeutic Aggression Control Techniques (TACT2) models

Required Qualifications

• Exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for mental health and human services.
• Experience working directly with children, youth and families.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets agency guidelines.

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services field, or
• Associate’s degree and 3 years of experience working with youth/families, or
• High school diploma or equivalency with 5 years of experience working with youth/families

What are some of the things our current staff enjoy while working here?

• Enjoy a competitive benefits and time off package.
• Make a significant impact on and provide valuable input in the overall care and treatment for the children and families that we serve.
• Work with a supportive and diverse team to provide the best care to our clients.
• Receive professional development and training opportunities.
• Have your employment at Orchard Place qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF forgives the remaining balance on your federal Direct Loans after you make 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full time for a qualifying public service employer (such as Orchard Place).
• Professional Development Career Ladder offers opportunities to receive periodic pay increases and promotions.

Criminal and abuse registry checks completed as required by Orchard Place's licensing and accreditation standards.