Child Care Counselor

Department:

Residential Treatment Center

Reports To

House Manager / Shift Leader

Location:


Westchester & NYC


Employment Type

Full-Time


Start Date


Immediate


About Us

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 72,000 individuals annually. We do this through 101 programs across 138 sites, throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is shown not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in New York City.


Role Overview

The Child Care Counselor is responsible for providing for the basic needs, health, and safety of residents. This role supports youth in adhering to therapeutic programming and achieving individualized treatment goals, while ensuring a structured, nurturing, and trauma-informed environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and ensure the safety, security, and well-being of youth at all times within the residential cottage, on campus, and during off-site activities.
• Implement behavior management strategies and crisis intervention techniques in accordance with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) principles to promote a safe and supportive environment.
• Maintain a calm, professional, and trauma-informed approach while responding effectively to behavioral and emotional crises.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including incident reports, behavioral records, conflict resolution forms, and Life Space Interviews in compliance with agency standards.
• Collaborate with clinical, medical, educational, and interdisciplinary team members to support individualized treatment plans and positive resident outcomes.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant living environment by conducting routine safety checks, identifying hazards, and reporting concerns promptly.
• Teach, supervise, and support youth with activities of daily living, life skills development, therapeutic programming, educational participation, and recreational activities.
• Implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) by modeling and reinforcing the agency's ROAR values: Respect, On Task, Act Safely, and Be Responsible.
• Demonstrate professionalism by maintaining confidentiality, adhering to agency policies and procedures, attending required trainings, and serving as an active member of the treatment team.
• Perform transportation and other assigned program responsibilities as needed while upholding Rising Ground's mission, values, and commitment to providing high-quality care.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Vaid Driver's License (NYS Preferred)
• Ability to pass TCI certification, including physical components
• Ability to work flexible shifts in a 24/7 program
• Experience working in a Residential Treatment Center

Work Environment

Residential: This position is based out of our Residential Treatment Center location for adolescents ages 12-21

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Per-Diem status means that this position is not full-time, and that the schedule is not guaranteed. However, there is an expectation that you will reliably report to all shifts that you agree to be assigned to. Additionally, while per-diems may opt to perform shifts at multiple programs, it is your responsibility to primarily report to your administrative supervisor first before accepting additional hours elsewhere.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary structure

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO policy (11 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Time, Paid Vacation & Paid Personal Days)
• Remote / flexible work options (If applicable)

Additional Requirements

• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Ability to work in-person in New York City (NYC)
• Ability to travel to other Rising Ground Sites (if required)

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Rising Ground that the Agency wholly complies with equal treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to an individual's perceived or actual race, creed, color, national origin, alienate, citizenship status, gender, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or veteran status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination and all other terms and conditions of employment