Residential Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Residential Counselor
Department: Residential Program
Reports to: Residential Director
Schedule: Full-Time, In-Person; Sunday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Saturday, with evening and weekend shifts required
Classification: Year-Round, Hourly Position, Non-Exempt Employee

Overview

Pine Haven Boys Center is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian residential and educational facility serving boys ages 6–14 who have experienced trauma, neglect, and behavioral or emotional challenges. Nestled on 100+ acres in Allenstown, NH—just 10 minutes south of Concord and 15 minutes north of Manchester—our intensive therapeutic and academic programs help students grow emotionally, socially, and academically.

We are seeking compassionate, patient, and reliable Residential Counselors to join our team. This position provides direct care, guidance, and support for boys in a structured, trauma-informed environment. Residential Counselors model healthy behaviors, teach life skills, and participate in therapeutic interventions to help each child build resilience and confidence.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Demonstrates empathy, patience, and a commitment to trauma-informed care.
• Maintains professionalism, confidentiality, and a nurturing approach in all interactions.
• Reliable and consistent, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for residents.
• Team-oriented and eager to grow professionally in the human services field.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Care and Support

• Build and maintain supportive, appropriate relationships to foster growth and trust.
• Create and maintain a structured, therapeutic environment for residents.
• Model and teach daily living and leisure skills to promote independence.
• Plan and participate in recreational and group activities to support social development.
• Provide supportive counseling and behavior management in alignment with treatment plans.

Behavioral and Therapeutic Support

• Implement trauma-informed behavior management strategies to de-escalate and manage crises safely.
• Participate in treatment planning and provide insight and observations to the clinical team.
• Uphold therapeutic consistency by applying fair and balanced rewards and consequences.

Professional Development and Compliance

• Acquire and maintain certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), First Aid, and CPR.
• Stay current on trauma-informed practices and intervention techniques through ongoing training.
• Adhere to confidentiality regulations and organizational policies.
• Maintain accurate documentation as required by internal policies and state regulations.
• Flexibly respond to additional responsibilities as requested, in alignment with program needs and organizational goals

Schedule

• Two scheduling groups are available:
  • Sunday–Wednesday
  • Wednesday–Saturday
• Weekday shifts: 3:00 PM – 10:00/11:00 PM
• Weekend and holiday shifts: 8:00 AM – 10:00/11:00 PM
• Flexibility for school vacation schedules and coverage needs is required

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Direct care staff shall be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, or general equivalency diploma, and meet one of the following pre-service training and education requirements:
  1. An associate’s or higher degree with a minimum of 12 credits in the field of human services, or another field related to residential care, awarded by a regionally accredited college or university;
  2. The equivalent of 2 years of full-time experience working with children, either as a paid employee or volunteer, including work as a para-professional in a public school;
  3. Any combination of college credits in human services and experience with children that total 2 years, as follows:
     • Two years of full-time college shall equal 60 credits
     • Two years of full-time employment shall equal 3,000 hours
     • One credit shall equal 50 hours of experience
  4. Documentation of 7 years of parenting experience; or
  5. The equivalent of 2 years of full-time experience working with adults in a licensed residential setting
• Prior experience with children with emotional/behavioral challenges preferred
• Ability to de-escalate crises verbally and intervene physically if required
• Ability to obtain certification in CPI, First Aid/CPR (training provided)
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must complete required certifications (CPI, First Aid, CPR) after hire.
• Weekend, holiday, and evening availability required .

• Ability to meet physical demands of therapeutic interventions and active supervision.
• Must be able to de-escalate crises using verbal techniques and safely intervene physically if needed

Compensation 

Pay: $23.70-$29.00 per hour, with generous wage rates above market standards.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position at our residential treatment campus in Allenstown, NH. The role centers on dynamic residential care, requiring active engagement with residents, close collaboration with multidisciplinary staff, and participation in a variety of activities. Success in this position requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to maintain composure, safety, and therapeutic consistency in a fast-paced environment.