Residential Counselor

Wayside • Arlington, MA

5d

About The Position

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring a full-time Residential Counselor for its Young Adult Program in Arlington. The role is suited to someone who enjoys staying busy, being creative, and providing innovative care to youth and families. No college degree is necessary. The schedule is 40 hours per week, Saturday through Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with Thursday and Friday off. The salary range is $20.50–$21.50 per hour, depending on experience, plus a sign-on bonus paid half after six months and half after one year of employment; the bonus is prorated for part-time employees.

The Residential Counselor supervises and engages with youth or residents in activities and daily routines, supports their skill development through teamwork, and helps maintain a structured, safe, and supportive program environment. The role includes facilitating recreation, providing positive role modeling, meeting residents’ basic needs, and—after MAP certification—administering medication and transporting clients safely. Wayside provides training in several approaches and certifications relevant to the position.

Requirements

• High school degree or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license; motor vehicle background record checks will be completed.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends.
• High-quality communication skills, including the ability to connect with others, be approachable and respectful, and communicate with people at all levels.
• Reflective self-awareness.
• Ability to manage risk.
• Ability to support youth dynamically.
• Flexibility and creative thinking, including the ability to adapt to changing work situations, processes, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and engage with youth/residents in activities and daily routines.
• Support skill building for youth/residents through collaborative teamwork.
• Participate in trainings and maintain necessary certifications.
• Facilitate recreational activities and work with the staff team to maintain program structure while providing positive role modeling.
• Transport clients safely.
• Administer medication after obtaining MAP certification.
• Help provide clients’ basic needs, including regular meals, a safe and clean living environment, recreational activities, and appropriate hygiene.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus, with half paid after six months of employment and half after one year; prorated for part-time employees.
• Training in Motivational Interviewing, Courageous Conversations, Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC), Trauma Informed Practice, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, CPR, and First Aid.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED