Residential Youth Counselor

Residential Youth Counselor

Washington County Mental Health Services

Location: Barre, VT

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Team Supervisor

Salary Range: $23.59 - $24.77 per hour 

*$5,000 Sign-On Bonus*

The Source and Recruit Company has been retained to assist in recruiting a Residential Youth Counselor for Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS), an organization that has served the Washington County community and surrounding areas for over 50 years.

WCMHS is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through inclusive and trauma-informed services, the organization helps individuals achieve wellness in a collaborative and supportive environment.

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.

Responsibilities include:

• 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.
  

Successful candidates will possess:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.
  

• Hourly rate: $23.13 - $24.28 (with shift differentials for evenings, weekends, and holidays).
• Sign-on Bonus: $5,000 for full-time hires.
• Quarterly Stipends: $500 - $650.
• Shift Differentials: $1.50 - $2.00 per hour for second shift, third shift, and weekend hours.
• Paid training and career advancement opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan assistance.
• Hours worked may contribute to bachelor’s degree internship requirements.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 36.5 days in the first year (vacation, sick leave, and agency closures).
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Financial Security: 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Employer-Paid Life, Disability, and AD&D Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and childcare expenses.
• Free wellness and self-care resources for employees.