Residential Care Counselor

Position Summary

The Residential Care Counselor is responsible for ensuring the safety, care, and well-being of assigned children in a therapeutic residential treatment setting. As a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, the counselor helps develop, implement, monitor, and document individualized treatment plans under the supervision of the Residential Care Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Safe and Therapeutic Care
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for children.
• Supervise assigned children during daily routines, activities, and programming.
• Absorb assigned children with activities of daily living, personal care, and hygiene based on individual needs and abilities.
• Monitor and document required observation levels each shift.
• Identify, report, and help resolve safety, behavioral, and treatment concerns.
• Respond to crises and disruptive behaviors using approved therapeutic interventions and the least restrictive, safe alternatives.
• Promptly report critical incidents to appropriate supervisors and complete accurate, timely documentation.
• Support Treatment Planning
• Participate in the development and implementation of individualized residential treatment plans.
• Absorb children and families during admissions and help establish positive therapeutic relationships.
• Complete initial assessments, identify treatment needs, and contribute to care plans within established timeframes.
• Review and update treatment plans as needed based on child progress and treatment goals.
• Communicate treatment goals, interventions, and progress with the multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, daily planning conferences, and shift reports.
• Accurately document significant observations, interventions, and child/family interactions in the medical record.
• Behavior Management and Skill Development
• Establish and maintain consistent therapeutic limits and expectations.
• Implement behavior management plans in collaboration with clinical staff.
• Teach and reinforce appropriate coping, social, communication, and daily living skills.
• Model positive, therapeutic interactions for children and families.
• Support and participate in recreational and therapeutic programming.
• Absorb assistance and facilitation of program activities that support treatment goals.
• Professional Responsibilities
• Comply with all Hospital, Department, and Program policies and procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and mandatory training.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Seek supervision and feedback to continuously improve job performance.
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues to support team development and high-quality patient care.
• Support quality assurance initiatives and program performance standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services-related field preferred.
• Experience: Six months to one year of direct care experience working with emotionally impaired, behaviorally challenged, or at-risk youth.
• Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of child development, human behavior, and trauma-informed care principles; ability to provide age-appropriate care and support across developmental stages; strong communication, observation, documentation, and crisis intervention skills; ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team; demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care.
• Certifications: Bradley Hospital Crisis Management Certification or successful enrollment in the required Bradley Hospital training program; Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association (AHA); Current First Aid Certification from the American Heart Association (AHA); Current ERS, Safety, and OSHA Certifications.

Pay Range

$18.13-$29.90

Location

BH-East Greenwich-CADD Heritage House - 170 Heritage Dr East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818

Work Type

Wk1 Sun 8a-2p & 2p-10p Fri 6a-2p Wk2 Mon 6a-2p Sat 8a-2p & 2p-10p

Work Shift

Evening

Daily Hours

8 hours

Driving Required

Yes