The Residential Counselor supports youth development by implementing behavior intervention plans and facilitating daily living activities. They collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to provide comprehensive treatment and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a human services field and possess at least one year of residential childcare experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to pass a background check are also required.
This is difficult high-stakes work, that will at times be stressful. It’s not for everyone. On the other hand, you’ll grow as a human-services professional, potentially start or enhance a professional career, and feel that your work is purposeful, meaningful, and emotionally rewarding. You’ll be part of a team of colleagues supporting your professional growth and success.
In order to change the trajectory of these young persons’ lives, a transformational treatment experience must be created. The Wediko New Hampshire Residential Counselor/Direct Support Professional position is key to that experience. Through an interdisciplinary team effort and direct supervision from Wediko Masters-level clinicians, Wediko Residential Counselors make a difference in the lives of the youth we serve.
How You'll Be Making a Difference
Participate in supporting the development of behavior interventions, collecting data, and facilitating youth progress. Implement strategies contained within behavior intervention plans identified through functional behavior assessments.
Provide training, advocacy, needs assessment, and treatment to youths and their families with the goal of reunification and/or the reduction of long-term out of home placement. Supervise and coordinate activities of daily living for students, including hygiene, clothing, chores, and other activities. Assist children with the transition from each scheduled activity.
Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary clinical team to lead to the development and implementation of individualized comprehensive treatment plans that provide for individual counseling, group therapy, nutrition, medical, recreational, and social programming.
Maintain a therapeutic and professional relationship with students; provide required supervision of students (i.e., eyesight, earshot).
Report any instance/allegation of student abuse to Supervisor.
Comply with Mandated Reporter status.
Report potential safety hazards immediately.
Demonstrate awareness of environment.
React promptly and appropriately, to any situation that should arise.
Ensure completion of all documentation required for safe and effective student care, operation, and compliance.
Knowledge and application of program routines/ structure. Maintain a general understanding of the population of clients with whom we work
Develop an understanding of level system (cards, behavior contracts, etc.)
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Short-term disability insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Basic life insurance
403(b) retirement plan
AD&D insurance
Generous time off
Employer match
11 holidays
5 sick days
Extensive training
Provide First Aid appropriately as needed
May plan and participate in activities with clients/students on an individual and small group (less than 6) level in accordance with treatment plans and goals. Teach age-appropriate life skills and social skills through modeling, counseling, and other techniques. Participate in groups and activities designed to enhance growth and development.
Participate in off campus recreational/educational activities
Maintain a safe and supportive environment. Manage living, dining, educational, recreational areas to provide a clean, organized environment for students. Insure adequate supervision of students through coordination of care with other staff.
Provide group and individual behavior support and intervention as trained, including the use of TCI appropriate physical restraint as necessary. Coordinate medical and emergency situations with the supervisor.
Communicate through written and verbal means with other program staff on positive skills and accomplishments as well as difficult or challenging client issues
Complete all assigned paperwork including time sheet, level card, goal/ level tracking, incident reporting, and 51A’s in a thorough and timely manner
Attend trainings
Participate in supervision meetings with supervisor
May be asked to prepare weekend meals
What to Expect in the Role
Passing the CORI/background check and having a valid ID
Being physically active for an 8-10 hour shift
Participating in verbal de-escalation and physical intervention with youth
Multi-tasking in a changing and fast-paced treatment environment
Receiving and implement feedback in the moment and through a structured supervision process
Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekend shifts as required
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a closely related field
One year or more of childcare experience in a residential setting with similar population of children
Computer literate, including Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer, with the ability to learn new software applications
Driving Requirements
May be required to operate a vehicle, have a valid driver’s license and a “satisfactory” driving record
May be required to have access to a personal vehicle for use during work hours
May be required to use personal vehicle to transport clients on occasion if/when needed
If required to transport clients, must maintain the minimum amounts of liability insurance as required by The Home and/or other regulatory requirements and vehicle registration must be current
What The Home Can Offer You
In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:
Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days
Health, Vision and Dental Insurance available
Extensive training to new staff
Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year
403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
And more!
Valuing Diversity
We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.
