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Job description
About 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
Qualifications
Education High School diploma or GED required; Associate degree preferred
Required 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 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.
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.