Youth Counselor, Springfield, MA

Job Description

Job Description

The Key Program is seeking Youth Counselors (Residential Caseworkers) in Springfield, MA , for our residential programs, which serve up to nine adolescent girls or boys referred by the MA Department of Children and Families (DCF). Join a dedicated team of supervisors, clinicians, occupational therapists, nurses, and direct care staff to maintain a trauma-sensitive, structured, and therapeutic environment where teens can thrive. Be a part of an organization that values employee well-being and promotes a positive work/life culture.

Wage: Competitive hourly wage: $24

Additional compensation is provided for bilingual skills and our generous employee referral bonus program.

Insurance: (See attachment for contribution details)

• Key offers Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Benefits covering over 90% of medical premiums and 70% for dental premiums with low deductibles and co-pays.

Professional Development: (See attachment for details)

• Tuition assistance is available for any degree or certification program. Scholarship opportunities are provided for clinical-related graduate programs.
• Key is an internship placement site where employees can fulfill internship requirements for college credit.
• Intensive training, professional development and opportunities for advancement are available.

Self-Care and Paid Time Off Benefits: (See attachment for details)

• 3 weeks/vacation, 2 weeks/sick time, 3 days/personal, 3 days/bereavement and 12 paid holidays for full-time staff.
• Free, confidential employee assistance program for employees and adult household members for support with mental and physical health, financial, family, legal, parenting and other concerns.

Other:

• Reimbursement equivalent to IRS rate for work-related travel
• 403(b) retirement savings account (tax-deferred).  
• Pre-tax childcare.  

Qualifications:

One of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or an associate degree
• College course work and one year of human service experience, required
• High school diploma or GED/HiSET and two years of human service experience, required

And all of the below:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Valid state driver’s license and legally registered and insured car for work use
• Commitment to participate in required trainings and certifications in FA/CPR/AED, MA Medication Administration Program (MAP) and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Crisis Intervention.

Responsibilities:

The Youth Counselor (Residential Caseworker) must share a rotating schedule with their team, consisting of daytime shifts (7 AM – 3:30 PM), evening shifts (2:30 PM – 11 PM), and including weekend shifts.

• Engage the youth to develop positive, appropriate, trauma informed, supportive relationships while utilizing a strength-based treatment approach.
• Work with a team of Youth Counselors (Residential Caseworkers) to provide direct supervision, engagement and advocacy of youth.
• Facilitate individual and group instruction for social and life skills development.
• Assist the youth to accomplish treatment plan goals and provide care for them in areas of health, education, vocation, legal advocacy and family advocacy.
• Perform medication administration and medical advocacy to youth upon receiving Medication Administration Program (MAP) Certification
• Coordinate and participate in creative and therapeutic recreational activities.

The Key Program is a private, non-profit human services agency whose mission is to support children, families, and emerging adults through trauma-informed, culturally grounded services that strengthen resilience, foster belonging, deepen community connections, and build a foundation for lasting well-being. Key works in conjunction with the MA DCF, RI DCYF and NH DCYF and is an agency provider of community-based services, residential treatment programming, and outpatient mental/behavioral health services.   

Key is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and committed to hiring employees that reflect the diverse communities that we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, country of ancestral origin, or veteran status.