Behavioral Youth Counselor

Youth Villages is a nationally recognized non-profit organization helping youth, young adults, and families live successfully. With a high-performing and dedicated staff of over 4,000, services in 26 states and D.C., and an annual operating budget of over $400 million, the organization serves more than 40,000 individuals annually.  Our commitment to helping youth, young adults, and families find success spans 40 years and includes a comprehensive array of evidence-based programs and services implemented by Youth Villages and our partner organizations and complementary systems change efforts, including state and federal policy, national advocacy, and research. We seek individuals with a strong sense of purpose who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth and families.

For more information, please visit

www.youthvillages.org

Position Overview :

As a Behavioral Youth Counselor, also known as a Teacher Counselor, you will play a pivotal role in our Residential Treatment programs, which serve children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Our residential campuses provide an intensive treatment environment that balances structure and freedom, enabling children and their families to identify, understand, and address their unique needs. Facilities include Intensive Residential Centers, Open Campuses, and Group Homes across Tennessee and Georgia, all utilizing the Re-Education of Emotionally Disturbed Children therapy model (Re-Ed).

Key Responsibilities :

Teach children essential life skills and provide for their daily physical care.​

Assist in developing individualized treatment plans for each child.​

Conduct daily documentation, including contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes.​

Participate in transporting clients to various locations.​

Engage in recreational therapy activities with children.​

Enhance children's behavior through coping skills and other therapeutic interventions.​

Schedule :

Behavioral Youth Counselors work nontraditional schedules of either Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday, typically between 12 : 00 PM and 10 : 30 PM. A minimum of 40 hours per week is required, with overtime pay at time and a half for hours exceeding 40. Any schedule changes for coverage or training will be communicated in advance.

Physical Requirements :

This role involves prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical agility, and may require running and climbing stairs. Counselors must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and / or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds. Completion of Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR training is required, along with passing an agility and strength evaluation. A valid driver's license is also necessary.

Compensation :

Average annual salary ranges from $54,000 to $64,000, depending on schedule and hours worked. Time-and-a-half pay is provided for worked holidays.

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.