Outdoor Youth Counselor

our Program • St. Louis, MO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Eckerd Connects’ Camp E-Nini-Hassee seeks Outdoor Youth Counselors for its residential outdoor therapeutic program for at-risk girls in Floral City, Florida. Counselors live on-site and work with girls ages 12 to 17, providing daily supervision, hygienic oversight, therapeutic support, group counseling, mentoring, and outdoor therapeutic activities. Counselors support 10–12 residents experiencing challenges such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, family conflicts, neglect, and poor academic performance, and help maintain a structured, safe environment conducive to learning.

The role includes serving as a co-teacher while residents attend the on-site school and using conflict-resolution and de-escalation techniques to support residents, including during crises. Counselors follow a flexible live-in schedule providing supervision 24 hours a day, five days per week; Night Watch employees assist with overnight supervision. Counselors reside on-site adjacent to youth campsites in open-air cabins during their working days. Furnished on-site housing is provided at no cost, and employees may alternatively arrange self-funded off-site housing. The position offers opportunities for leadership development, professional growth, and advancement.

Camp E-Nini-Hassee is an outdoor therapeutic residential program founded in 1969. Its strength-based, reality-therapy approach uses staff alliances, group therapy, adventure, education, and family services. The program provides accredited on-site education with certified teachers and transferable credits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, live in open-air cabins during working days, and walk regularly over wilderness terrain.
• Availability for a flexible 24-hour, five-day work week, including some nights and weekends.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in a wilderness setting with exposure to the outdoors and weather conditions.
• Must complete Level 2 background screening through Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.
• Relocation to the on-site facility 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.
• Provide daily hygienic oversight and therapeutic outdoor adventures.
• Offer group counseling, guidance, and mentoring to residents.
• Serve as a co-teacher while youth attend the on-site school and monitor behavior to maintain an environment conducive to learning.
• Respond to resident crises and use conflict-resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Provide overall resident supervision 24 hours a day, five days a week, with Night Watch employees assisting with night supervision.

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.
• 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.
• Opportunity for leadership development, professional growth, and advancement.

What This Job Offers

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