Find & Apply For Youth Counselor / Worker Jobs in Falmouth, Virginia

Bring Your Life Experience Where It Matters Most Some of the young people in our care need steady and consistent adults to show up for them. That's where you come in. We're looking for Residential Counselors who bring patience, steadiness, and genuine care. This isn't a job where you sit back and observe — our counselors are alongside residents, cooking meals together, working through tough conversations, and leading by example. Youth learn responsibility and community values best when they see them modeled, not just told to them. What You'll Do Supervise and actively engage with youth during daily activities, routines, and community outings Build trust-based relationships rooted in patience, consistency, and genuine support Work alongside youth and lead by example on community service projects Maintain a safe, secure, and therapeutic living environment Document daily activities, observations, and incidents accurately Communicate during shift changes and collaborate with staff for continuity of care Assist with transportation to appointments, school, court, counseling, work, and activities Prepare and share meals with residents Administer medications and maintain records (after required certification) Plan and participate in recreational, educational, and life skills activities Support healthy communication between youth and their families Use de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques during behavioral or emotional crises Follow emergency procedures, including for self-harm or suicidal ideation Complete required reports and documentation on time Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development What to Expect Many of the youth in our care are working through significant trauma, and some also face cognitive or behavioral challenges. At times this means encountering residents who are combative or resistant to support — not because they don't want help, but because they haven't always had adults they could trust. This isn't true of every resident or every day, but it's a real part of the work. We're looking for counselors who can meet these moments with patience, understanding that consistency is often what finally builds trust.

Schedule Expectations:

Must be able to work an alternating 20 hour-weekly schedule: Thursday-Friday one week, then Friday-Saturday the next, from 12:00-10:00 p.m. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Patience and sound judgment — the ability to stay calm and steady when a young person is not. Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with youth and families from diverse backgrounds. Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills grounded in real-world experience. Ability to model responsibility and follow-through through everyday actions, not just words. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Basic computer skills for documentation and recordkeeping. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, or related field; OR Associate's degree plus 2+ years' experience working with at-risk youth; OR Significant relevant experience (mentoring, coaching, ministry, teaching, caregiving) with a demonstrated ability to work with youth; OR Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Requirements Valid driver's license; willingness to drive agency vehicles (7-15 passenger vans) Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout a shift Ability to lift up to 20 lbs (e.g., groceries, supplies, equipment), with or without reasonable accommodation Ability to safely implement crisis intervention techniques after training Complete and maintain certifications: CPR/First Aid, Crisis Prevention/Physical Intervention, Medication Administration, Bloodborne Pathogens Complete 40+ hours of annual job-related training Benefits & Perks Individual YMCA membership Paid training and certifications Ongoing professional development

Pay:

$21.00 per hour Application Question(s): Are you available to work 12:00-10:00 p.m.

on an alternating schedule:

Thu-Fri one week and Fri-Sat the next?

Work Location:

In person