Residential Master's Level Counselor

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families. As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long‑term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems.

Youth Villages’ residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self‑harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.

Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma‑informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selected locations).

Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.

• Works directly with 8 to 12 youth daily
• Utilizes evidence‑based practices when providing individual, group and family therapy to each resident
• Creates individualized treatment plans for each youth and updates them bi‑weekly
• Completes admissions and discharges for the youth on residential campuses (including initial assessment and psychosocial)
• Consults with the treatment team and other staff members to plan placements, transfers, and discharges of youth
• Coordinates weekend visits for youth and develops safety plans with families
• Facilitates treatment meetings and consultations
• Completes daily documentation (such as missed appointments, contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility. Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.
• Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.
• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.

Salary: $62,000 - $65,000 per year based on education and clinical license.

• Master’s degree in social services field (required). Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review).
• Must be willing to pursue licensure with supervision provided (required).
• One year of counseling experience (required).
• Experience in a residential setting (preferred).
• Experience working with at‑risk youth and/or families (preferred).
• Experience working with youth (required).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule.

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
• 401(k)
• Time off: 2 week paid vacation (full‑time) / 1 week paid vacation (part‑time)
• 12 paid sick days per year
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
• Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
• Growth & development through continuous training
• Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
• * Benefits…