Residential Counselor

Get to know us

For over 75 years, Green Chimneys a multi‑faceted nonprofit organization is helping young people to maximize their full potential by providing residential, educational, clinical, and recreational services, in a safe and supportive environment that nurtures connections with their families, the community, animals, and nature.

Green Chimneys has built its success through valuing diversity in our workforce and clientele. Our programs are developed to recognize, respect, and respond to the unique, culturally defined needs of persons and families within our service population. We strive to create an inclusive, respectful and equitable environment in order to serve.

We strive to give our clients support, resources, and the ability to heal through the work of animal-assisted therapy and nature-based learning all while developing the skills and confidence to grow into independent young adults.

Role Overview: Our organization is looking for driven, creative individuals with a calling to help children and adolescents who are struggling with a variety of social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The Residential Counselor is responsible for maintaining the structure of the day‑to‑day therapeutic milieu by utilizing nurturance, routine, and recreation. Such examples include helping with room care/laundry, checking in with students after school, interaction/engagement such as playing cards, board games, basketball, outside activities and walks to the farm.

The Residential Counselor has a key role within the Residential Department. They are the ones residents look for affection, understanding, interest, structure, and guidance. This position is a great introduction to the direct support field as there are plenty of opportunities for upward mobility and promotions within the department!

What you bring to Green Chimneys:

• High School Diploma or working toward diploma. Experience in a related field or in residential treatment and/or a Bachelor degree preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. Must have reliable transportation.
• Candidates must be able to complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training (TCI) within two months of hire. This training includes kneeling, standing, lifting and moving. A written test must be passed at the end of the training.

• Capability to sit, walk, see, hear, drive and type for daily work activities
• Must be able to perform a physical restraint according to techniques taught in TCI
• Must be able to work on a farm campus and interact with various farm animals as part of the animal assisted therapy program.
• Must be able to participate in all recreational activities, both indoors and outside.
• Possesses a satisfactory level of physical and emotional health.

Hourly Rate: $18.35 - $22.84 depending on experience.

Full benefits offered, loan assistance and reimbursement programs, and paid time off. Please note, this position includes weekends and evening hours since our residential treatment center is open 24/7. Most shifts are scheduled for 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM or 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

All employees in this department (regardless of full or per diem status) are required to participate in a full 8 day paid training to prepare you for meaningful work in the field. Note that 5 of those days are consecutive and cannot be moved due to certification requirements.