Direct Care Counselor

About WalkerSince 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.Make a Difference Every Day—and Gain Skills You Can Use for LifeAs a Direct Care Counselor at Walker, you'll work directly with children and teens who are navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. You'll be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team that helps youth feel safe, connected, and ready to grow. Whether you're starting your career or exploring the human services field, this is a chance to build valuable experience while making a real impact. New high school and college graduates strongly encouraged to apply!Essential FunctionsDirect Care and Milieu ManagementDirectly supervise children and teens in residential and school settingsProvide a therapeutic milieu environment, maintaining a safe and healthy setting that meets the physical and emotional needs of youthPlan and implement engaging social and recreational activities for children and teensAssist with daily living activities and help youth develop independent living skillsApply Walker’s relationship-based childcare model; use Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies and physical restraint only when necessary for safetyTreatment and Clinical SupportWork as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the emotional, behavioral, and educational development of youthImplement treatment protocols established in youth’s treatment plans, IEPs, and individual crisis management plansAdminister medication in accordance with Walker's policies and proceduresRespond to emergencies quickly and safely using TCI and crisis intervention skillsParticipate actively in supervision and remain receptive to feedback and professional developmentDocumentation and Administrative FunctionsAttend required meetings and team conferencesComplete oral and written reports accurately and on timeMaintain proper documentation of care provided and incidentsOtherPerform all other duties as assignedSkills and AbilitiesFlexibility and ability to work collaboratively as part of a teamStrong interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to remain calm and make safe decisions in high-pressure situationsCapacity to work effectively in a stressful and fast-paced environmentAbility to learn, retain, and apply principles taught in training and supervisionPhysical stamina to participate in activities with children,Ability to stand, walk, and run for extended periods, perform frequent bending, stooping, stretching, lifting, sitting, stairs and therapeutic physical interventionsEducationHigh School diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferredRequiredAbility to pass criminal background checkReliable transportationPreferredPrevious experience working in a similar setting preferredSchedule OptionsWe offer flexible scheduling with 4-day work week options:Second Shift: Sunday-WednesdaySecond Shift: Wednesday-SaturdayOvernight: Weekend (Friday – Monday)Overnight: Weeknight (Monday – Thursday)Bi-weekly rotating schedulesOther flexibility considered based on program needsBenefitsWalker offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:Health and WellnessMedical, dental, and vision coverage for individuals and familiesGenerous paid time off (vacation and sick time)11 paid holidays (shift differential if scheduled to work)Paid parental leaveFlexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent)Employee Assistance Program and Emergency Travel Assistance (mental health, financial, legal, relocation services, and more)Wellness resources (Calm App, flexible fitness reimbursements, pet insurance)Financial Wellbeing401(k) retirement plan with 3% employer match100% employer-paid life and disability insuranceEmployee referral bonusesPremium shift differential for overnight shifts ($1–$2/hour)Premium shift differential for staff scheduled to work on the 11 agency holidaysDiscounts on auto insuranceAccess to Metro Credit Union banking and resourcesFree parkingProfessional Growth and CommunityWalker Academy: 2-week onboarding and training programRegular supervision and career planning opportunitiesFree TCI and CPR/First Aid certifications and renewalsAccess to 1,000+ online human services courses with CEU creditTuition reimbursement and remission (up to $1,500 annually each)Recognition for years of service and monthly community eventsExternal learning opportunities (conferences, workshops)Equal Opportunity StatementWalker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint-related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Walker-Inc