Direct Care Counselor - Intensive Treatment Residence

Job Details

Job Location:

Needham – Needham, MA 02492
Position Type:
Full‑Time/Part‑Time
Education Level: High School/GED
Salary Range: $20.00 - $21.00 Hourly
Job Shift: Any

For over 60 years, Walker Therapeutic and Educational Programs has been a leading non‑profit organization providing comprehensive programming in the fields of child welfare, children’s behavioral health, and special education. We serve over 150 communities in Massachusetts, working with clients from diverse racial, cultural, sexual, and gender identities and expressions who struggle predominantly with anxiety and trauma. Services are offered through Residential, CBAT, Intensive Treatment Programs, Special Education Day School, Therapeutic Middle‑High School, Out‑Patient and In‑Home Therapeutic Services.

Walker Therapeutic and Educational Programs is currently seeking full‑time and part‑time Direct Care Counselors for the Intensive Treatment Residence on our Needham campus. Direct Care Counselors are members of a multidisciplinary treatment team in a residential and school program for children with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties. The role focuses on the social, recreational, and behavioral needs of children while ensuring their physical and emotional needs are met daily.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• FSA and 401(k) with employer contribution
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Discount Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement and Remission Programs
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Free CPR/First Aid training
• Free parking
• Beautiful scenic campus
• Opportunities for professional growth and learning

• Sunday – Wednesday
• Wednesday – Saturday
• Other flexibility considered

• Plan and implement social and recreational activities for children.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to promote emotional, behavioral, and educational development.
• Participate in supervision and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain a therapeutic milieu, ensuring a safe and healthy environment and meeting children’s physical needs.
• Implement treatment protocols from children’s treatment plans, IEPs, and individual crisis management plans.
• Complete administrative functions, including attending required meetings and writing oral and written reports.
• Supervise children directly.
• Apply Walker’s model of childcare, including therapeutic crisis intervention methods and physical restraint.
• Administer medication in accordance with policy and procedures.
• Respond to emergencies quickly and safely.
• Work in a stressful, fast‑paced environment, standing and performing therapeutic physical interventions as needed.
• Participate in activities with children.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Associate Degree or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience in a similar setting.
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
• Must be receptive to supervision and prioritize professional development.
• Strong flexibility and collaboration skills.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Completion of MAPS certification within six months of hire if not already certified.

Preferred: MAPS Certification

Walker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint‑related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law.