YV Career Development Program Graduates

Program Overview:

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, all 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 possible 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 selection locations).

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

YV 360 is a unique career development program offering leadership growth within a nationally recognized organization. Designed for recent Bachelor’s level social service graduates with experience working with at‑risk youth or their families, the program bridges the gap between college and a meaningful career in social services. Through mentorship, skill‑building, and real‑world impact, YV 360 prepares participants to succeed in their roles and advance their long‑term professional goals.

Our YV 360 Career Development Program is a paid position with a 10‑month commitment beginning in June 2026. After completing YV 360, you will continue full‑time employment (with access to benefits) as a Behavioral Youth Counselor in one of our residential treatment programs.

• Teaches youth necessary life skills and provides for their daily physical care
• Participates in recreation therapy sessions with their assigned group of youth
• Helps youth develop and implement positive coping skills using therapeutic interventions
• Completes daily documentation (such as contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
• Receives support from Youth Villages’ leaders alongside a cohort of 15 to 20 recent graduates
• Attends monthly consultations including networking opportunities and small group discussions with our CEO and other chief officers
• Develops leadership skills through projects, presentations, and trainings
• Connects with Youth Villages staff through one‑on‑one mentoring
• Enjoys local social outings as well as a retreat to our Inner Harbor campus located in Georgia
• Performs other duties as assigned

• The 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.

This position works on a non‑traditional schedule and requires flexibility as it includes evening and weekend shifts. Behavioral Youth Counselors follow a Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday rotation, generally working between 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The weekend day may include a 16‑hour shift based on campus staffing models. All staff are required to work at least 40 hours per week, with overtime at time and a half for additional hours.

Specific campus schedules and rotation details will be discussed with the hiring manager in the interview process, and any adjustments for training or coverage will be communicated ahead of time.

$54,000 to $64,000 per year based on schedule and hours worked. Time‑and‑a‑half pay is provided for worked holidays.