Direct Care Counselor

WALKER INC•Needham, MA

28d•$21 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

As a Direct Care Counselor at Walker, you'll work directly with children and youth who are navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in a 24/7 environment. You'll be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team that helps youth feel safe, connected, and ready to grow. Under the guidance of the assigned unit supervisor, direct care counselors are responsible for providing a therapeutic milieu for clients within the CBAT Program. This includes close supervision of all youth, basic caretaking functions, supporting youth through a daily schedule of activities, and crisis management as needed.

Requirements

Must be able to successfully pass and apply Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training
Must be able to successfully complete First Aid/CPR training
Must successfully complete and pass medication training
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, typing, and looking at a computer screen
Strong written and verbal communication skills and computer experience is required
Ability to meet deadlines and follow through with multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively as part of a team, including during times of high stress
Ability to transport clients in company vehicles
High School diploma or GED required
Successfully complete all background check suitability requirements
Must have reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher
Prior experience working with youth in a residential setting.
Valid MA driver’s license preferred

Responsibilities

Perform in a way that is aligned with the agency mission and core values. This includes but is not limited to services that are trauma informed, relationship based, family involved, developmentally focused, competence centered, and ecologically oriented.
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 and individual support plans.
Supervise youth at all times and plan and implement engaging social and recreational activities for each shift.
Assist with daily living activities and help youth develop age-appropriate life skills.
Respond to youths’ challenges with crisis intervention techniques consistent with Walker’s training.
Participate actively in supervision and remain receptive to feedback and professional development.
Maintain proper documentation of all care and treatment provided and incidents that occur, and complete oral and written reports including milieu summaries for discharges accurately and on time.
Maintain residential spaces in accordance with licensing standards.
Attend Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings, and treatment meetings as needed, to discuss youth’s progress.
Collaborate with staff and supervisors across shifts and campus programs to ensure smooth operations and consistent treatment of youth.
Participate in all required trainings and professional development opportunities as they arise.
Additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

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)
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
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)