Residential Counselor

Justice Resource Institute • Tewksbury, MA

6d • $19 - $25

About The Position

The Residential Counselor works at the Merrimack Center, an intensive residential treatment program for adolescents specializing in trauma-informed care. The center provides 24-hour comprehensive care, with an on-site school, clinical staff, nursing staff, and direct care staff. The role supports students’ safety, development, and progress toward successful next steps in a therapeutic residential setting.

JRI provides training to help counselors plan enriching daily activities, create a safe and therapeutic community, model effective coping strategies, and support students in building life skills such as cooking, banking, and vocational skills. The position requires transporting students and may involve physical interventions and verbal de-escalation techniques.

The schedule is Sunday 7:00 AM–3:00 PM, Monday 7:00 AM–11:00 PM, Tuesday 7:00 AM–3:00 PM, Wednesday off, Thursday 3:00 PM–11:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday off. Overtime may be mandated at times due to the nature of the work. Pay is $19.00–$25.00 per hour; actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, licensure, certifications, and qualifications.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• COVID-19 vaccination is required.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license; transporting students is required.
• Must be available to work evenings, holidays, and weekend shifts as required.
• Background and driving record checks will be performed.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in a second language other than English, to use in serving clients; eligible new hires receive a $2,000 bilingual bonus.

Responsibilities

• Provide enriching daily activities for students, including arts and crafts, recreational activities, and off-site field trips.
• Support students in developing a safe and therapeutic community.
• Role-model effective coping strategies.
• Help students develop life skills, including cooking, banking, and vocational skills.
• Support students in developing a sense of self and skills for their next steps.
• Transport students.
• Use physical interventions and verbal de-escalation techniques after receiving training, to support a safe therapeutic atmosphere.

Benefits

• Blue Cross medical benefits and Delta Dental benefits.
• 401(k) match up to $800 per year and a pension after five years of employment.
• Tuition reimbursement of up to almost $4,000 per year and discounted tuition rates at select partner colleges and universities.
• Wellness benefits, including employee engagement groups, self-care resources, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off of up to 19 days for full-time employees in their first year.
• Reimbursement for registration costs and annual fees for professional licenses required for work.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed