Job Description
Overview
Relief Residential Counselor
Pay: $20 per hour
Sign-on Bonus: $500 (paid 50% at 6 months and 50% at 12 months)
The Relief Residential Counselor provides direct care and support to youth in one of YOU, Inc.’s 24/7 acute or congregate care programs. This position is part of a staffing pool that offers intermittent and/or seasonal coverage as needed.
As a member of the care team, you will work under the direction of a shift supervisor to help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for youth. Relief Residential Counselors are essential employees while on shift, which means you may be required to extend your scheduled hours to maintain client-to-staff ratios or report to work during declared states of emergency.
Key responsibilities include
• Ensuring the safety, supervision, and well-being of youth
• Supporting a positive and therapeutic treatment environment
• Building professional, supportive relationships with appropriate boundaries
• Participating in facility upkeep and cleanliness
• Documenting client care as required
• Utilizing agency-approved physical management interventions when necessary
Responsibilities
• Ensure the safety and supervision of youth by staying engaged, monitoring for risks, and reporting concerns to supervisors.
• Support a therapeutic environment by modeling social skills, self-regulation, positive behavior, and overall growth.
• Build supportive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries and protecting confidentiality.
• Assist with daily routines, including chores, laundry, room checks, and meal preparation.
• Document client care as directed, including shift notes, logs, medication, safety plans, and incident reports.
• Maintain required certifications (CPI, First Aid/CPR, Universal Precautions, MAP, and Driver Safety).
• Be a reliable team member by arriving prepared, attending meetings, and working with a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.
• Use approved crisis prevention strategies, focusing on verbal de-escalation and using physical interventions only when necessary.
Qualifications
• Experience working with youth required; group experience preferred
• Professional, ethical, and compassionate in all interactions
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and acceptable driving record required (per Massachusetts law, driving under the influence of any substance is prohibited and may result in termination)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow agency standards
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to build positive rapport with others