Residential Youth Counselor

Residential Youth Counselor (22577) –
Northern Rivers Family of Services

As a Residential Youth Counselor you will provide daily therapeutic care and programming according to agency policy and governing bodies’ (DSS, OMH, JCAHO, etc.) requirements for elementary‑aged children. You will work on‑site on our Albany campus and will report to the Residential Supervisor.

• Provide for the physical and psychological needs of clients, including physical safety, hygiene, clothing, food, cooking, medical care, and a reliable nurturing environment.
• Follow an individual youth’s 1:1 expectations plan, ICMP, and any safety plans in place.
• Engage the youth in age‑appropriate activities and conversations at their developmental level.
• Document each shift in writing.
• Learn each youth’s history and specific issues, and safely manage crises.
• Seek and obtain training specific to the youth who requires 1:1 care.
• Transport 1:1 clients for medical, mental health, and other essential needs.
• Work within the trauma‑informed framework of the program, using coping/safety plans, maintaining consistency, and controlling response to youth.
• Engage and form positive relationships with all youth served.
• Complete all mandatory trainings according to programmatic guidelines.
• Display basic competency in TCI techniques.
• Follow program routines, therapeutic plans, and rules and protocols.
• Work as part of a team including residential counselors, clinicians, on‑line on‑call staff, supervisors, and other support staff.
• Maintain respectful and appropriate communication with internal and external customers, including county workers, medical staff, and parents.
• Maintain documentation to meet programmatic and regulatory standards.
• Transport clients for medical, mental health, and other essential needs.
• Facilitate groups/coached visitation, understanding and applying curriculum and appropriate practice models (e.g., DBT, SAY).
• Take leadership responsibilities for dorm/cottage, coordinate activities, and participate in program‑wide committee.
• Show critical thinking, problem‑solving, good judgment, and decision‑making related to residential program needs.
• Lead, delegate, and plan work for other team members.

• HS Diploma/GED required.
• Experience working with emotionally disturbed population preferred.
• A valid, clean driver’s license is required.
• Must pass physical.
• Must complete TCI training.
• At least six months of related experience is required for RC1; one year desired.
• At least one year of related experience required for RC2; two years or more desired.
• At least one year of related experience required for RC3; two years or more desired.

• Health care package: medical, dental, and vision
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Holiday Pay
• 401(k) plan
• Life Insurance
• Loan repayment assistance
• Free training/CEU opportunities

At Northern Rivers Family of Services, we work together to make a difference in our clients’ lives. We empower children, adults, and families to change their lives and build stronger communities.

Northern Rivers Family of Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire great people from a variety of backgrounds, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger! All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

We cherish the unique contributions of our diverse staff and are building a culture where everyone has the opportunity to do meaningful work.