When you join The Home for Little Wanderers, you join a team of professionals dedicated to creating better, brighter futures for kids.
For over 200 years, The Home for Little Wanderers has helped build stable lives and hopeful tomorrows for vulnerable children and their families. Our 25+ community-based and residential programs serve thousands of at-risk youths from birth to age 26. Many of these children have experienced abuse, neglect, trauma, or a disrupted family life. As the oldest child welfare agency in America, we provide them with safe surroundings, permanent loving relationships, and a secure path toward a better, brighter future.
To learn more about the incredible impact our employees have on the lives of children and families, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXedSArtYbg
Join a dynamic team of professionals implementing our trauma informed care model. Support youth in developing the skills they need to successfully transition home to families.
Under the direction of supervisor, primarily responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for clients. The Residential Counselor is expected to be knowledgeable of the program's mission, treatment philosophy, and policies and procedures and to implement this understanding in their direct care and supervision of clients.
In this position, the Residential Counselor will counsel, observe, and provide behavioral training, outreach support, advocacy and treatment to children and their families to facilitate reunification and/or long-term out of home placement. Additional case management duties include ensuring that the individuals served are supported to lead emotionally and physically healthy lifestyles in preparation for long-term placement. This may include, but is not limited to, exercise and nutrition training, community integration, psycho- educational therapeutic counseling, human rights advocacy, medical advocacy, medication administration, social and life-skills training, as well as educational and life planning.
Position Description
Under the direction of the supervisor, primarily responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for clients. The Residential Counselor is expected to be knowledgeable of the program's mission, treatment philosophy, and policies and procedures and to implement this understanding in their direct care and supervision of clients.
How Youll Be Making a Difference
Knowledge and application of program routines/ structure. Maintain a general understanding of the population of clients with whom we work
Foster healthy, appropriate relationships with our clients through daily interactions
Develop an understanding of level system (cards, behavior contracts, etc.)
Supervise and coordinate activities of daily living for students, including hygiene, clothing, chores, and other activities. Assist children with the transition from each scheduled activity.
Provide First Aid appropriately as needed
May plan and participate in activities with clients/students on an individual and small group (less than 6) level in accordance with treatment plans and goals. Teach age appropriate life skills and social skills through modeling, counseling, and other techniques. Participate in groups and activities designed to enhance growth and development.
Participate in off campus recreational/educational activities
Maintain a safe and supportive environment. Manage living, dining, educational, recreational areas to provide a clean, organized environment for students. Insure adequate supervision of students through coordination of care with other staff.
Provide group and individual behavior support and intervention as trained, including the use of TCI appropriate physical restraint as necessary. Coordinate medical and emergency situations with the supervisor.
Communicate through written and verbal means with other program staff on positive skills and accomplishments as well as difficult or challenging client issues
Complete all assigned paperwork including time sheet, level card, goal/ level tracking, incident reporting, and 51A's in a thorough and timely manner
Attend trainings
Participate in supervision meetings with supervisor
May be asked to prepare weekend meals
May be required to carry a mobile device
Perform other duties as assigned
What to Expect in the Role
Passing the DEEC CORI/DCF background check and having a valid ID
Being physically active for an 8-10 hour shift
Participating in verbal de-escalation and physical intervention with youth
Multi-tasking in a changing and fast-paced treatment environment
Receiving and implement feedback in the moment and through a structured supervision process
Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekend shifts as required
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required
Experience working with youth in a similar setting preferred
What The Home Can Offer You
In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:
Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days
Health, Vision and Dental Insurance available
Extensive training to new staff
Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year
403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
And more!
Pay Range Positioning Summary
The pay range listed represents the company's good faith estimate of the salary or wage range for this position at the time of posting, as required under applicable law. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including a candidate's relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity relative to other employees in similar roles. Candidates with less directly related experience may be placed toward the lower end of the range, while those with extensive or specialized experience may be placed toward the higher end. Market conditions and budget considerations may also influence final pay decisions.
Valuing Diversity
We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.