RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR BEHAVIOR YOUTH SUPPORT FT

Job Title: Residential Counselor
Department: Residential Reports To: Team Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Work Location: Rock Hill, SC

Position Summary
Since our opening in 1987, New Hope Treatment Centers has been a welcoming place for young people in moments of crisis. The Residential Counselor position is responsible for providing direct care, support, and behavioral intervention services to youth in a Level 4 residential treatment setting. Residents may present with severe emotional, behavioral, psychiatric, and physically aggressive behaviors. Residential Counselors are responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment while utilizing trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches to support youth growth and treatment goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Provide direct care and therapeutic support to residents.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment.
• Implement individualized treatment plans, behavior support plans, and daily programming.
• Utilize verbal de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies during escalated situations.
• Perform approved physical restraints and safety interventions in accordance with agency policy and training.
• Monitor resident behaviors and document incidents, progress notes, and shift reports accurately and timely.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while building positive therapeutic relationships with youth.
• Conduct room searches, safety checks, and environmental monitoring as required.
• Participate in team meetings, training, supervision, and treatment planning discussions.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, behavioral crises, AWOL attempts, and safety concerns.
• Assist in the maintenance of time records.

Competencies
The Residential Counselor must demonstrate competence in the following areas:
Crisis Intervention & Behavioral Management
• Ability to remain calm and effective during high-stress and crisis situations.
• Skilled in verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Ability to safely implement nonviolent crisis intervention and physical restraints when necessary.
Trauma-Informed Care
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of trauma on youth behavior and emotional regulation.
• Responds to residents with empathy, consistency, and professionalism.
Relationship Building
• Builds therapeutic and professional relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Encourages positive behavior change through trust, accountability, and support.
Communication Skills
• Communicates clearly and professionally with residents, families, coworkers, and leadership.
• Completes accurate documentation and incident reporting in a timely manner.
Teamwork & Collaboration
• Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Accept feedback, direction, and coaching from supervisors.
Professionalism & Reliability
• Demonstrates dependability, accountability, and ethical behavior.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in all situations.
Safety & Awareness
• Maintains awareness of resident behaviors, environmental risks, and potential safety concerns.
• Follows all safety procedures and agency protocols consistently.

Minimum Qualifications
• High School Diploma
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and any state-mandated employment clearances.

Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred or 1-year minimum experience in behavioral healthcare.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, or individuals in behavioral health, residential treatment, or human services settings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain organized records.
• Professional judgment, discretion, and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and standard office technology.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements
• Work is performed in a behavioral health treatment environment that may involve exposure to emotionally distressed individuals.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to behavioral emergencies involving residents weighing approximately 50–200+ pounds of varying heights and body compositions.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds, carry up to 25 pounds, and push/pull up to 100 pounds as part of daily job responsibilities and emergency response situations.
• Ability to walk for 6–8 hours per shift and stand and/or sit for extended periods of time, including up to 4+ hours consecutively.
• Must be able to kneel, squat, crouch, and climb multiple flights of stairs throughout the workday as required to maintain resident supervision and safety.
• Ability to maintain awake, alert, and oriented status throughout the entire shift to ensure continuous line-of-sight supervision and adherence to safety protocols.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use standard office equipment.
• Ability to respond to crisis situations, which may require quick movement.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.