Residential Counselor

Residential Counselor/Direct Care Staff

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of youth in foster care? 

Compensation: $17-$20 per hour, based on experience and/or education level 

Employment type: full-time, part time and on-call

Shift examples: weekdays 2pm-10pm, 4pm-12am

Weekends 8am-2:30pm, 10am to 10pm, 8am to 10pm

Weekday Overnights 10pm-8am, 12am to 8am

Weekend overnights 10pm to 8am, 8pm to 8am 

Shifts and hours are flexible

Job title: residential counselor/direct care staff

Location: the program is located in Lompoc 

Our Healing Center Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program provides services to male youth,12-21 years old, in foster care. 

Our program provides a therapeutic and trauma-informed environment that nurtures youth with a history of trauma. Our goal is to improve the youth’s mental health, gain independent living skills, improve school outcomes and work on relationships, in order to return to a home-like environment. 

The program is looking for individuals who have a heart for working with youth and desire to transform the lives of the youth, their families and the community. 

Learn about the foster care system, expand your skills in mental health treatment and gain strong experience in a small group environment. We are committed to providing outstanding care to youth in foster care.

Enjoy some nice perks, such as family style meals with the youth, snacks and outings. 

All you need is the desire to work with the youth, be at least 21 years old, have a valid California driver's license, acceptable driving record, have a clear criminal record and clear a basic physical and tb test.

We will train you to work with the youth and provide on-going development opportunities. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience working with foster youth. 

Residential counselors are part of a multidisciplinary team that includes licensed clinical Social Workers, nurses, psychiatrists, therapists, probation officers, children and family services social workers and various community providers. 

With guidance from the program administrator Residential Counselor responsibilities and duties include:

• Transporting youth to school, appointments and visits, as needed. 

• Ensuring house rules and program expectations are being followed. 

• Keeping track of the phase and level system for each youth. 

• Responsible for cooking meals for the youth and assisting youth cooking their own meals. 

• Planning, coordinating and participating in the lifestyle and recreational activities with the youth to promote positive growth and development.

• Undertake housekeeping and maintenance to create a positive and safe physical environment.

• Other duties as assigned by program administrator or facility manager.

Who qualifies for the position as a Residential Counselor (meet one of the following criteria):

• Individuals with a Bachelor's degree, Associate's Degree, vocational training certificate in the field. 

• Individuals with work or volunteer experience in the social services field (group home, childcare, health services, etc.).

•  Individuals who have taken or are taking college coursework in psychology, sociology or related fields.

• Individuals with relevant life experience in child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice systems as a consumer, mentor,  caregiver or other relevant experience. 

• Individuals with Knowledge Skills Abilities: 

  • Knowledge and understanding of the needs of youth served in a residential setting. 

  • Knowledge of substance abuse, mental health disorders, and treatment.

  • Skills and ability to engage and develop rapport with youth with various backgrounds. Genuine desire to work with the youth.

  • Skills and ability to provide consistency and behavioral limits through relationship based interventions. 

  • Ability to teach independent living skills to youth, cooking, cleaning, gardening etc. 

Please Note: This description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.