Residential Counselor

About the Organization

Youth For Tomorrow (YFT) is a 501(c)(3) faith-based, non-profit organization founded in 1986 by Hall of Fame Football Coach Joe Gibbs. The organization is large, diverse, and experienced, committed to serving at-risk youth through its residential treatment program. YFT serves males and females ages 12 to 18, including youth with varying mental health diagnoses, survivors of trauma, those with problematic sexual behavior (PSB), pregnant and parenting teens, and survivors of commercial sexual exploitation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Continuing education and ongoing trainings
• Comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Group life insurance
  • Up to a 5% retirement match
• Supplemental insurances, such as:
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term disability
  • Critical illness coverage
  • Accident insurance
  • Legal resources
• 9 paid holidays
• Personal time off accruals

Schedule

Available shifts:

• Weekday Evenings (2 days): 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM
• Awake Overnight (Saturday and Sunday): 6:30 PM – 6:30 AM or 8:30 PM – 8:30 AM

Responsibilities

• Oversee the physical care of YFT residents.
• Support the development of acceptable habits and attitudes for YFT residents.
• Manage resident behavior.
• Assist in meeting the goals and objectives of any required service plan.
• Provide guidance and supervision to assigned residents/children.
• Maintain coordinated supervision of residents, including awareness of each resident’s location at all times.
• Confirm census count from prior on-duty staff before assuming floor responsibilities; ensure counts match before shift departure.
• Maintain shift coverage until the next shift is securely in position.
• Provide a full report to incoming staff (up to 15 minutes past shift end) if House Parents/Coordinators are not on duty.
• Confirm the status and location of assigned residents every 15 minutes (every 30 minutes for overnight shifts).
• Maintain structure and regulations at all times (24/7).
• Complete and accurately document required forms, particularly the daily log, before the end of the shift.
• Perform waive testing on residents after home visits, AWOL incidents, and as needed, with complete accuracy and compliance.
• Attend all training mandated by YFT and pursue additional training opportunities to meet state standards.
• Support the structured program of care outlined in DBHDS and DSS state standards (DBHDS: 12VAC 35-46-800; DSS: 22 VAC 40-151-720).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO, Director of Program Services, Director of Residential Services, or Supervisor.

Required Trainings

• First Aid/CPR
• Handle With Care
• Standard Precautions
• Emergency Preparedness
• Shaken Baby Syndrome awareness
• Mandatory Reporting
• 25 hours of job-specific related training

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Development Certificate (G.E.D.).
• Six months of experience working with children.
• Enroll in and successfully complete assigned training and certification programs for development in YFT’s milieu of care.
• Knowledge and understanding of YFT’s mission and values.
• Ability to collaborate with and provide appropriate care to residents, gain their respect, guide their development, and participate in their overall treatment program.
• Ability to support constructive resident-family visitation and resident involvement in community activities.
• Ability to provide services in a culturally and linguistically competent manner.
• Possess the temperament to work with and care for children and youth, including those with special needs across multiple age ranges.
• Ability to accurately collect, review, and analyze waive testing of residents after home visits, AWOL incidents, and as needed.
• Ability to work effectively with the treatment team and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to ongoing training and supervision.
• Age 21 or above, as per state regulations and standards.
• Ability to maintain a stable environment and remain awake and alert at all times.
• Ability to maintain safety, security, and structure at all times.
• Ability to uphold the integrity of the program structure in the absence of House Parent/House Coordinator leadership.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license that meets or exceeds YFT’s insurance guidelines (preferred).
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Physical Requirements

This position involves medium to heavy work, including exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally for physical restraints of students.