Direct Care Counselor

About Walker 

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts. 

Make a Difference Every Day—and Gain Skills You Can Use for Life 

As a Direct Care Counselor at Walker, you'll work directly with children and teens who are 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. Whether you're starting your career or exploring the human services field, this is a chance to build valuable experience while making a real impact. New high school and college graduates strongly encouraged to apply! 

Essential Functions 

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 for children and teens 

• 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 individual 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 

Skills and Abilities 

• 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,  

• Ability to stand, walk, and run for extended periods, perform frequent bending, stooping, stretching, lifting, sitting, stairs and therapeutic physical interventions 

Education 

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferred 

Required

• Ability to pass criminal background check  

• Reliable transportation 

Preferred 

• Previous experience working in a similar setting preferred 

Schedule Options 

We offer flexible scheduling with 4-day work week options: 

• 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 

Benefits 

Walker offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including: 

Health and Wellness 

• 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, and more) 

• Wellness resources (Calm App, flexible fitness reimbursements, pet insurance) 

Financial Wellbeing 

• 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) 

• Premium shift differential for staff scheduled to work on the 11 agency holidays 

• Discounts on auto insurance 

• Access to Metro Credit Union banking and resources 

• Free parking 

Professional Growth and Community 

• Walker Academy: 2-week onboarding and training program 

• Regular supervision and career planning opportunities 

• Free TCI and CPR/First Aid certifications and renewals 

• Access to 1,000 online human services courses with CEU credit 

• Tuition reimbursement and remission (up to $1,500 annually each) 

• Recognition for years of service and monthly community events 

• External learning opportunities (conferences, workshops) 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

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. 

Salary : $20 - $21