Outdoor Youth Counselor

our Program • Cleveland, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Eckerd Connects’ Camp E-Nini-Hassee is hiring Outdoor Youth Counselors for its residential therapeutic wilderness program for at-risk girls in Floral City, Florida. The role supports girls ages 12 to 17 who may face challenges such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, family conflict, neglect, and academic difficulties. Counselors live on-site and provide supervision, mentoring, therapeutic support, group counseling, and outdoor activities in a structured residential setting. They also co-teach and monitor youth at the on-site school, which provides accredited education and transferable credits. The program uses a strength-based, reality-therapy approach with staff relationships, group therapy, individualized treatment, family services, adventure, and education.

This is a live-in position with a flexible schedule requiring availability for 24-hour supervision across five days per week, including some nights and weekends. Counselors sleep during the 24-hour period, and Night Watch employees assist with overnight supervision. On working days, counselors reside in open-air cabins adjacent to youth campsites. Furnished on-site housing is also provided at no cost for days off, with an option to arrange self-funded off-site housing. Relocation to the on-site location is required. The position offers a starting salary of $36,500 and opportunities for leadership development, professional growth, and advancement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Availability for a flexible live-in schedule, including some nights and weekends, with supervision responsibilities across five days per week.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, live in open-air cabins during working days, and walk regularly across wilderness terrain.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in a wilderness setting with exposure to outdoor and weather conditions.
• Must complete 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, including group counseling and support related to their needs and challenges.
• Provide daily supervision and support to residents in a structured and safe living environment, including overall youth supervision 24 hours a day for five days a week.
• Provide daily hygienic oversight.
• Use conflict-resolution and de-escalation techniques to support residents, including in crisis situations.
• Serve as a co-teacher while youth attend the on-site school each day.
• Monitor youth behavior and help ensure the environment is conducive to learning.
• Build positive relationships with youth and guide and mentor them through personal and educational challenges.
• Provide therapeutic outdoor adventures.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 19 days of paid time off in 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, including furnished housing at no cost for days off.
• Relocation assistance.
• Opportunity for leadership development, professional growth, and advancement.

What This Job Offers

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