Residential Care Counselor

Residential Care Counselor

Position Summary

The Residential Care Counselor is responsible for ensuring the safety, care, and well-being of assigned children in a therapeutic residential treatment setting. As a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, the counselor helps develop, implement, monitor, and document individualized treatment plans under the supervision of the Residential Care Supervisor.

Brown University Health employees are expected to demonstrate the organization's core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, while also embracing the Success Factors of:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus
• Collaborate Effectively with Others

Key Responsibilities

Provide Safe and Therapeutic Care

• Maintain a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for children.
• Supervise assigned children during daily routines, activities, and programming.
• Assist children with activities of daily living, personal care, and hygiene based on individual needs and abilities.
• Monitor and document required observation levels each shift.
• Identify, report, and help resolve safety, behavioral, and treatment concerns.
• Respond to crises and disruptive behaviors using approved therapeutic interventions and the least restrictive, safe alternatives.
• Promptly report critical incidents to appropriate supervisors and complete accurate, timely documentation.

Support Treatment Planning

• Participate in the development and implementation of individualized residential treatment plans.
• Assist with admissions and help establish positive therapeutic relationships with children and families.
• Complete initial assessments, identify treatment needs, and contribute to care plans within established timeframes.
• Review and update treatment plans as needed based on child progress and treatment goals.
• Communicate treatment goals, interventions, and progress with the multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, daily planning conferences, and shift reports.
• Accurately document significant observations, interventions, and child/family interactions in the medical record.

Behavior Management and Skill Development

• Establish and maintain consistent therapeutic limits and expectations.
• Implement behavior management plans in collaboration with clinical staff.
• Teach and reinforce appropriate coping, social, communication, and daily living skills.
• Model positive, therapeutic interactions for children and families.
• Support and participate in recreational and therapeutic programming.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating program activities that support treatment goals.

Professional Responsibilities

• Comply with all Hospital, Department, and Program policies and procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and mandatory training.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Seek supervision and feedback to continuously improve job performance.
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues to support team development and high-quality patient care.
• Support quality assurance initiatives and program performance standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services-related field preferred.
• Equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.

Experience

• Six months to one year of direct care experience working with emotionally impaired, behaviorally challenged, or at-risk youth.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of child development, human behavior, and trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to provide age-appropriate care and support across developmental stages.
• Strong communication, observation, documentation, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care.

Required Certifications

• Bradley Hospital Crisis Management Certification or successful enrollment in the required Bradley Hospital training program.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Current First Aid Certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Current ERS, Safety, and OSHA Certifications.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None.

Brown University Health is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care and creating a safe, therapeutic environment where children and families can achieve positive outcomes and lasting success.