Direct Care Counselor Girls Empowerment Zone

About Walker

Since 1961 Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children youth and families navigating some of lifes 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 divisionsResidential & Educational Programs Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services and Walker Solutionswe 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 Dayand Gain Skills You Can Use for Life

As a Direct Care Counselor at Walker youll work directly with children and teens who are navigating social emotional and behavioral challenges. Youll be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team that helps youth feel safe connected and ready to grow. Whether youre 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 Walkers 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 youths treatment plans IEPs and individual crisis management plans
• Administer medication in accordance with Walkers 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

Qualifications

Education

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate degree preferred

• Ability to pass criminal background check
• Reliable transportation

Preferred

• Previous experience working in a similar setting preferred

Shift Requirement: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm with flexibility required as business needs dictate.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Walker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individuals 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.