Location
Worcester, Massachusetts
Salary
$24 - $24 / HOUR
The Youth Counselor will engage youth to develop positive, supportive relationships using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach while working with a team to provide direct supervision and advocacy. Responsibilities also include facilitating life skills instruction, assisting with treatment plan goals across various areas, administering medication upon certification, and coordinating recreational activities.
Candidates must meet educational requirements, which include a preference for a Bachelor's degree, or an Associate's degree with college coursework, or high school diploma/GED with two years of human service experience. All applicants must be 21 or older, possess a valid driver's license, and commit to required training in FA/CPR/AED, MAP, and CPI Crisis Intervention.
Key Program is seeking Youth Counselors (Residential Caseworkers) in Worcester, MA, for their residential program, which serves up to nine adolescents referred by the MA Department of Children and Families (DCF). Join a dedicated team of supervisors, clinician, occupational therapist, nurses, and direct care staff to maintain a trauma-sensitive, structured, and therapeutic environment where teens can thrive. Be a part of an organization that values employee well-being and promotes a positive work/life culture.
Wage: Competitive hourly wage: $24
Additional compensation is provided for bilingual skills and our generous employee referral bonus program.
The Key Program is a private, non-profit human services agency whose mission is to support children, families, and emerging adults through trauma-informed, culturally grounded services that strengthen resilience, foster belonging, deepen community connections, and build a foundation for lasting well-being. Key works in conjunction with the MA DCF, RI DCYF and NH DCYF and is an agency provider of community-based services, residential treatment programming, and outpatient mental/behavioral health services.
Key is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and committed to hiring employees that reflect the diverse communities that we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, country of ancestral origin, or veteran status.
Market context
Youth counselor roles in Massachusetts often reflect steady demand in schools, community programs, and residential or behavioral health settings. These positions can be competitive because employers may weigh education, age, driver’s license status, and human services experience alongside the hourly rate and benefits. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your experience matches the preferred degree path and prepare examples of youth support work.
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