Residential Youth Counselor

Job Details

Job Location:

CYFS Offices
- Beckley Hill and New Leaf
- Barre, VT 05641

Position Type:
Full Time

Education Level: High School Completion or Equivalent

Salary Range: $23.83 - $25.05 Hourly

Job Shift: Any

Job Category:
Direct Service

The Residential Youth Counselor will play a key role in supporting at‑risk youth in diverse settings including the community, home, and school. This position provides an opportunity to help youth build essential life skills, develop coping strategies, and work toward personal goals in a structured, supportive environment.

• Providing mentorship and emotional support to youth experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Deliver direct support and counseling to residents, cultivating a positive encouraging atmosphere that promotes growth.
• Implementing individualized behavior plans and supporting residents with daily living skills.
• Creating a safe and nurturing environment through active listening, crisis de‑escalation techniques, and proactive interventions.
• Engaging youth in recreational and skill‑building activities, such as sports, arts & crafts, outdoor excursions, and community outings.
• Documenting progress and communicating with care teams to ensure that each youth receives personalized, effective support.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of experience in behavioral health, education, residential programs, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to learn and perform crisis management and physical intervention techniques.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist in behavioral interventions when necessary.
• Driver's license and access to a safe, insured vehicle.

• A compassionate and empathetic nature, with the ability to build trusting relationships with youth.
• The ability to remain calm and adaptable in high‑pressure situations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with youth, families, and care teams.
• A willingness to develop and apply crisis intervention and behavioral support strategies.

Through June 2026, this position is eligible for a $5,000 sign‑on bonus for new staff.

Washington County Mental Health Services benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a generous match, paid time off, life insurance, and more.