Youth Counselor - BFOQ/Female

Chesterfield County • Chesterfield, VA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Counselor provides general supervision and care to court-involved youth at the Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home. The role works directly with up to eight residents in a secure environment, helping them maintain positive behavior through encouragement, redirection, and an incentive-based behavior management program.

Counselors support residents as they navigate the juvenile justice system and difficult personal circumstances. They help residents manage conflicts with peers, work toward their education, participate in psycho-educational groups on topics such as anger, peer pressure, and substance use, and take part in activities such as gym time and shared meals. The role also involves offering a calm, caring presence during challenging days and performing other work as required.

This is a safety-sensitive position. The work can involve physically restraining a resident to protect the safety of staff or residents, or using one-on-one conversation to help de-escalate a situation. The position is part of an approved Career Development Plan, with career progression opportunities and salary incentives as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and three years of experience working with children or teenage groups, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must be female; the posting identifies this as a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ).
• Great active listening skills and 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 are required.
• Subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide general supervision and care to court-involved youth.
• Work directly with up to eight residents in a secure environment.
• Encourage and redirect residents to support positive behavior through an incentive-based behavior management program.
• Help residents manage conflicts with peers and work toward their education.
• Conduct psycho-educational groups addressing topics including anger, peer pressure, and substance use.
• Participate in activities with residents, including gym time and shared meals.
• Provide support and de-escalation, including one-on-one conversation when needed.
• Physically restrain a resident when necessary to protect the safety of staff, other residents, or the resident.
• Perform other work as required.

Benefits

• Attractive benefits package
• 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