Youth Counselor - BFOQ/MALE

Chesterfield County • Chesterfield, VA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home is hiring a Youth Counselor to provide general supervision and care to court-involved youth. This position requires the candidate to be male due to a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ). The role involves working directly with up to eight residents in a secure environment, helping them maintain positive behavior through encouragement, redirection, and an incentive-based management program. You will be a positive influence for youth navigating the juvenile justice system, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds with limited support. Responsibilities include assisting residents with conflict resolution, educational goals, conducting psycho-educational groups on topics like anger, peer pressure, and substance use, participating in recreational activities, and engaging in informal discussions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Three years of experience working with children or teenage groups, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Great active listening skills and a genuine curiosity.
• Superior interpersonal skills.
• Professional maturity.
• A calm, empathetic, and consistent demeanor.
• Ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and efficiently, both orally and in writing.
• Receptivity to constructive feedback.
• Ability to remain calm, problem-solve, and make decisions in stressful situations.
• Must pass a Virginia Central Registry check.
• Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
• Must be male (BFOQ).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide general supervision and care to court-involved youth.
• Maintain positive behavior through encouragement, redirection, and an incentive-based program.
• Help residents manage conflict with peers.
• Support residents in working towards their education.
• Conduct psycho-educational groups addressing anger, peer pressure, substance use, and other topics.
• Engage residents during gym time and informal discussions.
• Perform other work as required.
• Physically restrain a resident if necessary to protect the safety of staff, other residents, or themselves.
• Sit and talk one-on-one with residents for extended periods.

Benefits

• Attractive benefits package
• Career Development Plan (CDP) with career progression opportunities and salary incentives (as funding permits) based on performance, qualifications and experience.

What This Job Offers

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