Direct Care Counselor

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Needham - Needham, MA 02492Position Type: Full-TimeEducation Level: High School/GEDSalary Range: $21.00 - $22.00 HourlyJob Shift: AnyAbout Walker  Since 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 Life  As 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 Functions  Direct Care and Milieu Management  Directly supervise children and teens in residential and school settings  Provide a therapeutic milieu environment, maintaining a safe and healthy setting that meets the physical and emotional needs of youth  Plan and implement engaging social and recreational activities for children and teens  Assist with daily living activities and help youth develop independent living skills  Apply Walker’s relationship-based childcare model; use Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies and physical restraint only when necessary for safety  Treatment and Clinical Support  Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the emotional, behavioral, and educational development of youth  Implement treatment protocols established in youth’s treatment plans, IEPs, and individual crisis management plans  Administer medication in accordance with Walker's policies and procedures  Respond to emergencies quickly and safely using TCI and crisis intervention skills  Participate actively in supervision and remain receptive to feedback and professional development  Documentation and Administrative Functions  Attend required meetings and team conferences  Complete oral and written reports accurately and on time  Maintain proper documentation of care provided and incidents  Other   Perform all other duties as assigned    Skills and Abilities    Flexibility and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team  Strong interpersonal and communication skills  Ability to remain calm and make safe decisions in high-pressure situations  Capacity to work effectively in a stressful and fast-paced environment  Ability to learn, retain, and apply principles taught in training and supervision  Physical 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 interventions  QualificationsEducation  High School diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferred  Required Ability to pass criminal background check   Reliable transportation  Preferred  Previous experience working in a similar setting preferred    Schedule Options    We offer flexible scheduling with 4-day work week options:  Second Shift: Sunday-Wednesday  Second Shift: Wednesday-Saturday  Overnight: Weekend (Friday – Monday)  Overnight: Weeknight (Monday – Thursday)  Bi-weekly rotating schedules  Other flexibility considered based on program needs    Benefits    Walker offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:    Health and Wellness  Medical, dental, and vision coverage for individuals and families  Generous paid time off (vacation and sick time) 11 paid holidays (shift differential if scheduled to work) Paid parental leave  Flexible 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 Wellbeing  401(k) retirement plan with 3% employer match  100% employer-paid life and disability insurance  Employee referral bonuses  Premium shift differential for overnight shifts ($1–$2/hour)  Premium shift differential for staff scheduled to work on the 11 agency holidays  Discounts on auto insurance  Access to Metro Credit Union banking and resources  Free parking  Professional Growth and Community  Walker Academy: 2-week onboarding and training program  Regular supervision and career planning opportunities  Free TCI and CPR/First Aid certifications and renewals  Access to 1,000+ online human services courses with CEU credit  Tuition reimbursement and remission (up to $1,500 annually each)  Recognition for years of service and monthly community events  External learning opportunities (conferences, workshops)    Equal Opportunity Statement    Walker 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.