Residential Childcare Counselor

Catholic Charities of Baltimore•Lutherville Timonium, MD

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Baltimore, Villa Maria School is currently seeking a Residential Childcare Counselor to assist in the care and education of severely emotionally disabled children within the Residential Treatment facility and within the Villa Maria School system. Within the residence, the counselor assists in supervising and helping children with before-school tasks (including wakeup, dressing, personal hygiene, and breakfast), as well as all residential activities (meals, games, trips, etc.) on school holidays. Within the school, the Residential Teaching Assistant (RTA) assists in supervising children, supporting the teacher in classroom activities, and providing individual and small-group instruction as directed. The RTA escorts children within and between the residence and Villa Maria School. The work schedule is a weekend combination of 6:30 AM- 2:30 PM or 2 PM - 10 PM. St. Vincent's Villa serves children ages 5-13 whose behavioral and emotional needs have not responded to community-based interventions and services. Intervening early can help increase the likelihood of successful therapy and behavioral modification.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training within 45 days of hire.
Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) training within six (6) months of hire.
CPR/First Aid within 45 days of hire.
Genesis Unit Only (all positions) - Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioners RCYCP required within 6 months of employment.
Applies the CARE model to guide all interactions and inform the philosophy of support for children, families, and colleagues, ensuring consistency with agency values and therapeutic standards.
Demonstrates the capacity to engage severely emotionally disabled children in a caring, responsive, tolerant, and insightful manner that promotes trust, emotional safety, and progress toward treatment goals.
Utilizes effective oral and written communication skills when interacting with teachers, families, unit staff, therapists, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate information sharing and coordinated care.
Accurately assesses, documents, and maintains required records, including logs, incident reports, and Behavior Management documentation, ensuring compliance and continuity of care.
Practices active listening with staff and children to foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and support effective problem resolution.
Evaluates problem situations and applies the most appropriate and least restrictive intervention consistent with established therapeutic goals and safety standards.
Responds promptly and therapeutically to crisis situations, exercising sound judgment to maintain safety and emotional stability.
Functions effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team, contributing observations, insights, and collaboration to support treatment planning and implementation.
Demonstrates proficiency in, or willingness to learn, required computer systems and software, including basic computer skills, web-based platforms, online training systems, and email communication tools necessary to perform job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Supervises children’s daily activities to ensure physical safety, emotional nurturance, and a structured therapeutic environment that promotes stability and growth.
Promotes positive social interactions, respect, and responsibility through consistent role modeling, structured programming, and reinforcement of appropriate behaviors.
Implements Individual Treatment Plans (ITPs), the agency’s CARE philosophy, and approved behavioral intervention strategies to support measurable progress toward treatment goals while maintaining therapeutic structure within the unit.
Provides continuous supervision by escorting children to appointments and activities, ensuring safety, accountability, and appropriate conduct at all times.
Maintains safety, order, and therapeutic consistency within the unit, proactively addressing behaviors that may disrupt the environment.
Uses therapeutic communication strategies tailored to each child’s diagnosis, developmental level, strengths, and needs, fostering trust and engagement.
Accurately assesses behavior, mood, affect, and verbal/non-verbal communication, adjusting routines and interventions as necessary to support emotional regulation and treatment progress.
Recognizes early signs of crisis and implements de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques in accordance with approved models to maintain safety.
Collaborates effectively with interdisciplinary team members, families, teachers, and therapists to communicate progress, share observations, and support coordinated care planning.
Supports unit operations by reviewing charts for incoming children, planning structured and recreational activities, preparing the unit environment, attending meetings, and maintaining an organized, engaging setting.
Performs additional related duties as assigned and may be required to support other units based on program needs, ensuring operational continuity and consistent care standards.
Performs other duties as assigned.