Youth Counselor, Methuen, MA

Key Program, Inc.•Methuen, MA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Key Program is hiring a Youth Counselor, also known as a Residential Caseworker, for its Methuen, Massachusetts residential program. The program serves up to nine adolescent girls referred by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. The Youth Counselor joins a multidisciplinary team of supervisors, clinicians, an occupational therapist, nurses, and direct-care staff to maintain a trauma-sensitive, structured, therapeutic environment where teens can thrive. The role uses a strength-based treatment approach and involves direct supervision, engagement, and advocacy for youth. The position shares a rotating team schedule that includes daytime shifts from 8 AM to 4 PM, evening shifts from 2 PM to 11 PM, and weekend shifts. The wage is $24 per hour, with additional compensation for bilingual skills and an employee referral bonus program. Key Program describes its services as trauma-informed and culturally grounded, supporting children, families, and emerging adults through services intended to strengthen resilience, foster belonging, deepen community connections, and support lasting well-being. The organization provides community-based services, residential treatment, and outpatient mental and behavioral health services in conjunction with Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire child and family agencies.

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older.
Must have a valid state driver’s license and a legally registered and insured car for work use.
Must participate in required FA/CPR/AED, Massachusetts Medication Administration Program (MAP), and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Crisis Intervention trainings and certifications.
Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: a bachelor’s degree (preferred); college coursework and one year of human service experience; or a high school diploma or GED/HiSET and two years of human service experience (required).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Bilingual skills, for which additional compensation is provided.

Responsibilities

Develop positive, appropriate, trauma-informed, supportive relationships with youth using a strength-based treatment approach.
Work with a team of Residential Caseworkers to provide youth with direct supervision, engagement, and advocacy.
Facilitate individual and group instruction for social and life skills development.
Help youth accomplish treatment-plan goals and provide care related to health, education, vocation, legal advocacy, and family advocacy.
Administer medication and provide medical advocacy after receiving Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification.
Coordinate and participate in creative and therapeutic recreational activities.
Share a rotating schedule with the team, including daytime, evening, and weekend shifts.

Benefits

Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Benefits medical coverage, with the employer covering over 90% of medical premiums, low deductibles, and co-pays.
Dental coverage, with the employer covering 70% of dental premiums.
Tuition assistance for any degree or certification program.
Scholarship opportunities for clinical-related graduate programs.
Internship placement opportunities to fulfill college-credit internship requirements.
Intensive training, professional development, and opportunities for advancement.
For full-time staff: three weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick time, three personal days, three bereavement days, and 12 paid holidays.
Free, confidential employee assistance program for employees and adult household members, with support for mental and physical health, financial, family, legal, parenting, and other concerns.
Reimbursement at an amount equivalent to the IRS rate for work-related travel.
403(b) tax-deferred retirement savings account.
Pre-tax childcare.
Additional compensation for bilingual skills.
Employee referral bonus program.