Direct Care Counselor

Job Details

• Location:
  
  Needham, MA 02492
• Position Type:
  Full-Time
• Education Level: High School/GED
• Salary Range: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour
• Shift: Any

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families in Massachusetts, offering comprehensive, trauma‑informed residential, educational, and clinical services.

As a Direct Care Counselor, you will work directly with children and teens navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. You’ll be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team that helps youth feel safe, connected, and ready to grow.

• Direct Care and Milieu Management
  • Directly supervise children and teens in residential and school settings.
  • Provide a therapeutic milieu environment, maintaining a safe and healthy setting that meets the physical and emotional needs of youth.
  • Plan and implement engaging social and recreational activities.
  • Assist with daily living activities and help youth develop independent living skills.
  • Apply Walker’s relationship‑based childcare model; use Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies and physical restraint only when necessary for safety.
• Treatment and Clinical Support
  • Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the emotional, behavioral, and educational development of youth.
  • Implement treatment protocols established in youth’s treatment plans, IEPs, and crisis management plans.
  • Administer medication in accordance with Walker's policies and procedures.
  • Respond to emergencies quickly and safely using TCI and crisis intervention skills.
  • Participate actively in supervision and remain receptive to feedback and professional development.
• Documentation and Administrative Functions
  • Attend required meetings and team conferences.
  • Complete oral and written reports accurately and on time.
  • Maintain proper documentation of care provided and incidents.
• Other
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Flexibility and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make safe decisions in high‑pressure situations.
• Capacity to work effectively in a stressful and fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to learn, retain, and apply principles taught in training and supervision.
• Physical stamina to participate in activities with children: stand, walk, run for extended periods; perform bending, stooping, lifting, etc.

• High School diploma or GED required;
  Associate’s degree preferred.
• Ability to pass criminal background check.
• Reliable transportation.
• Previous experience working in a similar setting preferred.

• Second Shift: Sunday–Wednesday.
• Second Shift: Wednesday–Saturday.
• Overnight:
  Weekend (Friday–Monday).
• Overnight:
  Weeknight (Monday–Thursday).
• Bi‑weekly rotating schedules.
• Other flexibility considered based on program needs.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for individuals and families.
• Generous paid time off (vacation and sick time).
• 11 paid holidays (shift differential if scheduled to work).
• Paid parental leave.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent).
• Employee Assistance Program and Emergency Travel Assistance (mental health, financial, legal, relocation services).
• Wellness resources (Calm App, flexible fitness reimbursements, pet insurance).
• 401(k) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• 100% employer‑paid life and disability insurance.
• Employee referral bonuses.
• Premium shift differential for overnight shifts ($1–$2/hour) and for staff scheduled on 11 agency holidays.
• Discounts on auto insurance, access to Metro Credit Union banking, free parking.
• Walker Academy: 2‑week onboarding and training program.
• Regular supervision…