Jobloria
Residential Counselor
Center for Family Services, Inc.
Location : Jersey City, NJ, 07302
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : $18.00 per hour
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Position Details
Residential Counselor - Jersey City (5088)
*Sign-On Bonus
Take advantage of our new sign-on bonus! Center for Family Services is a place where you can be part of a dynamic, top workplace team dedicated to improving lives. When you apply and get hired, you are eligible for a $250 sign-on bonus.
Location:Jersey City, NJ
Job Type/Status:Relief
Salary Range:$18.00 per hour
Position Summary
The Adolescent Residential Counselor is a dedicated and compassionate direct care professional responsible for fostering a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for youth facing emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges. This role involves 24/7 direct interaction with youth, implementing daily routines, and collaborating with the treatment team to ensure the overall well-being and progress of the youth in our care.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Maintain excellent attendance, arriving on time for shifts and scheduled meetings.
Provide 24/7 supervision, support and direct counseling within the residential setting, ensuring the safety and security of youth. Assist in daily living activities, such as mealtime, hygiene, and recreation. Conduct supervision checks based on program policy. Provide transportation to and from appointments
Build positive rapport and relationships with youth residents through consistent and supportive interactions.
Collaborate with the treatment team to reinforce therapeutic interventions in the daily routine. Utilize appropriate behavior management techniques to address challenging behaviors. Effectively manage crisis situations by employing appropriate de-escalation techniques and following established protocols.Communicate incidents and observations to the appropriate staff and maintain accurate incident reports. Provides 1:1 supervision and engages youth as needed
Encourage positive peer interactions.
Lead, Facilitate and participate in structured group activities, recreation and physical education activities, promoting social skills,teamwork and a sense of community.
Other related duties as assigned
Qualifications
Are 18 years of age or older
Have a current non-provisional drivers license in good standing
Have a HS Diploma or GED with 3 years' experience providing direct care to youth in a behavioral health agency or institutional setting OR a BA with 1 years' experience providing direct care to youth in behavioral health agency or institutional setting
Have a desire to work with adolescents and young adults.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for up to 2 hours during documentation tasks, group meetings, and administrative tasks.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds, as residential counselors may need to assist residents with mobility challenges and participate in activities that involve physical movement.
Ability to walk up and down stairs.
Ability to assist youth with daily activities and participate in group recreational or therapeutic activities.
Ability to meet and fulfill all physical requirements of Handle with Care Training
Be comfortable working in various residential settings, including shared spaces and therapy rooms.
Provide assistance in the use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices for youth with specific needs.
Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment with precision.
Visual acuity to review documents, input data, and perform detailed tasks.
Adequate hearing and speech capabilities to engage in conversations, presentations, and phone communication clearly and effectively.
Benefits:
At the Center for Family Services our employees are our greatest resource and we are committed to investing in our staff. We offer a competitive benefits package as well as ongoing resources that will support staff on their personal and professional journey.*
Sick pay and personal time off
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health & Wellness Activities
Ongoing Training & Professional Development Opportunities
Opportunity for advancement
About Employment at Center For Family ServicesApply and get hired at Center For Family Services, a leader in the non-profit sector and named as a top workplace in the region since 2010. As part of our team, you will be recognized as our most valuable resource. Our staff balance best practices with personalized care. Together our team makes a positive difference in the lives of people in need. If you're interested in a rewarding career, Center For Family Services is a great place to grow as a professional. For more information about our top workplace, please visit Center For Family Services website at www.centerffs.org .
DisclaimerAll positions require pre-employment drug screening and criminal record checks. Many positions require motor vehicle record evaluations and medical clearances. Center For Family Services is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.
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Freqently Asked Questions
Strong experience with youth in behavioral health or institutional settings is crucial for success in Jersey City. Holding a high school diploma with three years’ relevant work or a bachelor’s degree coupled with direct care experience equips candidates to handle the challenges of this community-focused role.
Counselors engage in continuous supervision, foster positive interactions, lead group activities, and support daily living tasks. This hands-on approach ensures a stable, structured environment that promotes emotional growth and safety for adolescents needing behavioral health support.
Residential Counselors often advance into supervisory roles, clinical therapist positions, or specialized counseling fields. Building direct care skills and understanding therapeutic interventions lays a strong foundation for growth within mental health agencies or educational institutions.
Employees benefit from a competitive package including a $250 sign-on bonus, paid time off, flexible health spending accounts, and ongoing professional development. These benefits reflect the organization's commitment to staff wellbeing and career advancement in Jersey City.
Working here means being part of a highly regarded nonprofit with a decade-long reputation as a top regional workplace. The culture emphasizes personalized care, teamwork, and meaningful impact on youth, distinguishing it from other residential counseling employers.
Jersey City shows steady demand for skilled residential counselors due to its diverse youth population and behavioral health needs. Applicants with relevant certifications and local experience gain an advantage in a moderately competitive hiring environment.
Residential Counselors at Center for Family Services earn around $18 per hour, aligned with local market rates. This salary reflects the specialized skill set and 24/7 supervision responsibilities inherent in this relief position.
Possessing a valid non-provisional driver’s license is essential, alongside certifications in crisis intervention or behavior management. Local agencies also value training in trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques tailored to Jersey City's youth population.
This position uniquely blends direct care with therapeutic collaboration in a nonprofit setting known for employee support and advancement. The emphasis on flexible scheduling and comprehensive benefits creates a distinctive work-life balance.
Counselors face demanding scenarios requiring patience and crisis management but gain the satisfaction of fostering genuine growth in adolescents. The agency’s supportive environment and sign-on bonus further enhance job appeal in this challenging field.
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