All-Boys Teen Residential Counselor

CJR•Waterbury, CT

7d•$24 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Boys Residential Counselor provides direct care, supervision, and support to adolescents in a structured residential program. Up to eight boys live on site at a time, typically for approximately six months. Residents may have complex behavioral, emotional, and mental-health needs, including suicide-related concerns. The program uses a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed treatment model. Counselors reinforce DBT principles and skills throughout each youth’s daily experience by modeling communication, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. They collaborate with clinicians and other treatment team members to foster an environment centered on accountability, validation, skill development, and positive behavior change. This is a demanding, hands-on role requiring sound judgment, emotional resilience, consistent boundaries, and calm responses during challenging situations. Counselors supervise and assist youth during school and group times, model positive behavior, reinforce individualized treatment plans, facilitate groups as appropriate, and deliver therapeutic programming under the Rehabilitation Therapist’s supervision. The position is full-time, working Wednesday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for 40 hours per week, in Waterbury, Connecticut. Employees must work holidays that overlap with the schedule. The hourly rate is $23.97. Optional extra shifts may be available. A company vehicle is provided for work-related transportation of clients and families.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of paid, direct experience providing support or supervision to at-risk, court-involved, or otherwise system-involved adolescents. The experience must be clearly described on the resume, including job title, responsibilities, and dates of employment.
Valid driver’s license to operate and use the company vehicle during work hours.
Ability to perform approved physical restraints when necessary, in accordance with company policy, applicable law, and safety protocols. This may involve assisting with restraints involving male adolescent residents of varying body sizes and physical abilities.
Ability to pass background checks and obtain required First Aid/CPR and Medication Administration certifications.
Willingness to obtain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification within a specified timeframe, if not already certified.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Willingness to learn, model, and reinforce DBT skills and concepts with adolescents.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong personal effectiveness and credibility.
Ability to collaborate effectively with team members, clinicians, and families.
Leadership skills and ability to de-escalate behavioral and conflict situations.
Ability to perform physical tasks and maintain safety in a youth care environment.
Commitment to confidentiality and adherence to agency policies and legal requirements.
Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development and training in trauma-informed care, youth development, and mental health.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within a DBT-informed, trauma-informed, or therapeutic residential setting.

Responsibilities

Ensure youth safety and well-being and provide immediate crisis intervention when needed.
Participate with trained colleagues in approved physical restraints when necessary, following agency policy and required training.
Reinforce DBT principles and skills in daily interactions, including emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Conduct regular headcounts, safety checks, and bed checks.
Monitor for safety hazards and contraband, and address concerns promptly.
Support youth with physical and emotional needs, daily living skills, and growing independence.
Support youth in practicing DBT skills in real-life situations and encourage positive behavior change.
Observe and document behavior and progress to inform treatment planning.
Collaborate with clinicians, shift supervisors, and colleagues to provide consistent care.
Lead activities and facilitate groups that promote personal growth and social skills.
Manage and de-escalate conflicts using approved intervention techniques.
Communicate program goals, activities, and progress to youth and families.
Safely transport clients and families in a company-provided vehicle during work hours.
Maintain confidentiality and complete documentation accurately and on time.
Participate in staff meetings, training, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
Promote a respectful, supportive environment and maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.

Benefits

Access to a company vehicle during work hours.
Low-cost medical insurance plan option.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered after 30 days of employment.
Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
Generous paid vacation, with unused time eligible for carryover.
Generous paid sick time, with unused time eligible for carryover.
Paid holiday time, separate from vacation time.
Floating holidays, separate from paid vacation and paid holiday time.
Annual monetary incentives.
Tuition assistance.
401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
Career growth opportunities.
Company celebrations and employee recognition program.
Employee discounts on cell phones and computers.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer for Federal Student Aid.
10%–20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance.