Outdoor Youth Counselor

our Program • Orlando, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Eckerd Connects’ Camp E-Nini-Hassee is hiring Outdoor Youth Counselors for its residential therapeutic wilderness program in Floral City, Florida. Counselors live on-site and support girls ages 12 to 17 through daily supervision, hygienic oversight, therapeutic support, group counseling, and outdoor activities. The program serves youth facing challenges such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, family conflict, neglect, and academic difficulties. Counselors also co-teach during the on-site school day and help maintain an environment conducive to learning.

This is a live-in role with a flexible schedule that includes some nights and weekends. Counselors provide supervision for 24 hours a day, five days per week, supporting residents during crises and using conflict-resolution and de-escalation techniques. Counselors sleep during the 24-hour period, and Night Watch employees assist with overnight supervision. Counselors live in open-air cabins adjacent to youth campsites during working days. Furnished on-site housing is provided at no cost, including housing for the two days off each week; off-site, self-funded housing is also an option. Relocation to the site is required, and relocation assistance is provided.

The program uses a strength-based, reality-therapy approach in a residential outdoor setting, combining staff relationships, group therapy, individualized treatment, family services, adventure, and education. It provides accredited on-site education with certified teachers and transferable credits. The position offers opportunities for leadership development, professional growth, and advancement. Starting salary is $36,500.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and walk regularly across wilderness terrain.
• Ability to reside in open-air cabins during working days and work a 24-hour/five-day schedule.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in a wilderness setting with exposure to outdoor and weather conditions.
• Successful completion of Level 2 background screening through Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.
• Relocation to the on-site location is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic support to 10–12 teenage girls experiencing personal, family, emotional, or academic challenges.
• Provide daily supervision and support to residents in a structured and safe living environment, including 24-hour supervision for five days per week.
• Provide daily hygienic oversight and therapeutic support or group counseling.
• Facilitate therapeutic outdoor adventures.
• Serve as a co-teacher while youth attend the on-site school and monitor behavior to help ensure an environment conducive to learning.
• Build positive relationships with residents and guide and mentor them through personal and educational challenges.
• Support residents in crisis situations and provide conflict resolution and de-escalation.
• Reside on-site during working days and maintain availability for a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 19 days of paid time off during the first year.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match up to 5%.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Paid short-term and voluntary long-term disability coverage.
• Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Voluntary term life insurance.
• Meals provided when on duty.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• PTO Exchange.
• On-site housing provided at no cost.
• Relocation assistance.
• Starting salary of $36,500, with opportunity for leadership development, professional growth, and advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level