Ascend Healthcare | Erie, Colorado | Full-Time | 12-Hour Shifts Ascend Healthcare is an established adolescent behavioral health organization with programs across California. We're opening our first Colorado location in Erie — and we're building a team from the ground up. We serve teens ages 12-18 who are working through mental health and co-occurring substance use challenges, in a structured, trauma-informed environment where direct care staff are genuinely central to the therapeutic work. We're hiring Residential Counselors who want to show up for teens in a meaningful way. You'll be in the milieu, building relationships, running groups, supporting teens through hard moments, and working closely with a clinical team that takes the work seriously. This is an excellent role for anyone pursuing a career in mental health — including those currently in graduate programs in counseling, social work, or psychology, or working toward an undergraduate degree in a behavioral health field. You'll gain hands-on clinical experience in a real residential treatment setting, working alongside licensed clinicians every day. What You'll Be Doing Providing direct care and supervision of teens on-site and during community outings Supporting teens through behavioral challenges using de-escalation and the facility's trauma-informed model Administering medications as a QMAP-certified staff member Facilitating structured groups and recreational activities Completing shift documentation in the electronic medical record Serving as the lead staff member on shift — communicating with clinical leadership, managing milieu dynamics, and keeping the program running safely and smoothly Supporting admissions, daily routines, and facility upkeep What We're Looking For At least 21 years old (required by Colorado licensing) High school diploma or GED Valid driver's license Clean background check (we'll walk you through the Colorado requirements) Genuine interest in working with teens — lived experience in the human services field is valued Currently pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field? We'd love to hear from you Prior experience in residential, behavioral health, or youth-serving settings is a plus but not required What We Provide QMAP certification training — paid, provided by us CPI (crisis prevention) training First Aid, CPR, and AED certification Full onboarding and ongoing clinical training Competitive pay Medical, dental, and vision benefits Paid time off and holidays Hands-on experience working alongside licensed clinicians in a residential treatment setting — meaningful resume-building for anyone pursuing a mental health career A team that supports each other and takes the work seriously Schedule This is a shift-based position with 12-hour shifts . This is a 24/7 care facility, weekends and holidays must be staffed at all times. Overnight staff must remain awake and attentive throughout their shift. We intentionally structure our shifts at 12 hours because it allows for meaningful downtime between shifts and supports a healthy work-life balance — you work fewer days while still being fully present and engaged when you're here. For those in graduate school, this schedule can work well alongside coursework. Ascend Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities and teens we serve.

Pay:

$22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Are you at least 21 years of age? Why are you interested in this role? Please provide 3 professional references. Include your relationship to the reference, email, and phone number for each.

Experience:

Mental Health:

1 year (Preferred) Shift availability: Overnight Shift (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Erie, CO 80516 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Erie, CO 80516: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person