Youth Counselor - BFOQ/Male

Chesterfield County • Chesterfield, VA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home is hiring a male Youth Counselor (BFOQ) to provide general supervision and care to court-involved youth in a secure environment. The counselor works directly with up to eight residents, supporting positive behavior through encouragement, redirection, and an incentive-based behavior management program. The role involves helping youth navigate challenges in school, family life, and court proceedings, while offering a positive and caring influence.

The counselor helps residents manage peer conflict, work toward their education, participate in psycho-educational groups on topics such as anger, peer pressure, and substance use, and take part in recreation and everyday activities. The position may involve physically restraining a resident when necessary to protect safety. It is safety-sensitive and subject to random drug and alcohol testing. A Virginia Central Registry check, pre-employment drug test, FBI criminal background check, and education/degree verification are required. The position is part of an approved Career Development Plan, with opportunities for career progression and salary incentives as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience. The position is open until filled, with the first review beginning November 9, 2026.

Requirements

• Must be male; the posting identifies this as a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ).
• High school diploma or GED and three years of experience working with children or teenage groups, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Great active listening skills and genuine curiosity.
• Superior interpersonal skills and 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.
• Must complete pre-employment drug testing, an FBI criminal background check, and education/degree verification.
• Subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide general supervision and care to court-involved youth in a secure environment, working directly with up to eight residents.
• Encourage, redirect, and support residents in maintaining positive behavior through an incentive-based behavior management program.
• Help residents manage conflict with peers and work toward their education.
• Conduct psycho-educational groups addressing topics such as anger, peer pressure, and substance use.
• Engage with residents during recreation and everyday activities, including gym time and shared meals.
• Maintain a positive, caring, and consistent approach when supporting residents through difficult days.
• Physically restrain a resident when necessary to protect the safety of staff, residents, or the resident themselves.
• Perform other work as required.

Benefits

• Attractive benefits package.
• Career progression opportunities and salary incentives through an approved Career Development Plan, as funding permits and based on performance, qualifications, and experience.

What This Job Offers

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