Direct Care Counselor - TASP Program

About the role

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Walker TASP Program Director and Clinician to develop and implement therapeutic, educational, recreational, and developmentally appropriate programming for enrolled youth.
• Review and integrate youth’s Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and Individual Action Plans (IAPs) to ensure all programming supports youths’ identified goals.
• Design, plan, and facilitate daily activities and group sessions (up to 8 youth), along with occasional family events, snacks, and special programming.
• Provide supportive counseling and coping/stress-reduction skill development and assist students in applying these strategies throughout program hours.
• Document youth attendance, participation, and progress in both Walker’s electronic health record, as required.
• Maintain communication with families regarding youth attendance, participation, progress, and any concerns that arise.
• Transport youth safely to and from the after-school program using a program van or personal vehicle.
• Participate in supervision and staff meetings according to schedule and expectations.
• Ensure high-quality programming and youth support.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• MAP Certification (must complete within 90 days of start date if not currently certified).
• Experience working in a residential setting required, preferred supervisory experience in a residential setting.
• Preferred 1-3 years of previous experience working in a similar setting.
• Obtain Elementary Education and Care (EEC) background check suitability.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Valid MA driver’s license preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and reliable transportation required, including the ability to travel to community-based meetings and to transport clients and families to appointments, trainings, groups, and other program-related activities.
• Proof of auto insurance that demonstrates coverage levels that meet the organization’s minimum requirements.
• Must have the ability to access different community locations for meetings including regularly attending meetings and trainings at Walker’s Needham location.
• Able to meet deadlines and follow through with multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to respond to and follow through with requests professionally.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to sit at work station for prolonged periods of time, consistent with OSHA requirements.
• Able to perform required function of Medication Administration Program (MAP) and must pass and maintain MAP certification.
• Able to perform required functions of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and must pass and maintain TCI certification.
• Able to pass and maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Physical stamina to participate in activities with children.
• Able to stand, walk, and run for extended periods, perform frequent bending, stooping, stretching, lifting (up to 10 lbs.), sitting, stairs, typing, and looking at a computer screen.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and computer experience is required.

Schedule

Varies; program operates 10-6 Monday – Friday with milieu hours typically 3-6