Residential Counselor

Residential Counselor

If you are driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in your community and shape brighter futures, Help Group is the organization for you! We're one of the largest nonprofits of our kind in the U.S., offering diverse programs for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse, mental health, and social-emotional challenges. We offer unparalleled academic programs, mental health support, therapy, life coaching, vocational training, specialized social and residential programs, and resources for LGBTQ+ youth and families. These initiatives touch the lives of over 6,000 clients a year and continue to expand in reach and impact. At the heart of Help Group's mission is a steadfast commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential and live positive, productive, and fulfilling lives. We invite passionate professionals to join us in supporting the development of our students, clients, and residents as we grow! Here, you'll find not just a job, but an opportunity to grow your career in a deeply rewarding environment! 

Project Six offers a safe, structured residential program for adolescents ages 12–20 who need intensive support for emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. Our relationship-based approach helps teens build coping skills, strengthen communication, and prepare for successful reintegration into home, school and community life.

Residential Counselors help residents build social skills, emotional regulation, independent living skills, healthy coping strategies, and positive daily routines in a safe and structured environment. Residential Counselors are responsible for creating a supportive, engaging, and therapeutic living environment while helping residents achieve their individual treatment and educational goals. This is a highly interactive, hands-on role that requires flexibility, patience, strong teamwork and the ability to adapt to changing resident needs throughout each shift. Successful candidates enjoy building relationships with youth, facilitating activities, coaching life skills, managing challenging behaviors and helping residents navigate everyday situations and personal growth opportunities.

$2,500 Sign-On-Bonus Available!

Position Details

• Location: Van Nuys
• Available Schedule Options:

Shift A:

• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Monday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Shift B:

• Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Thursday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Friday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate individual and group activities that support residents treatment goals and personal growth
• Help adolescents develop social, emotional, and independent living skills
• Provide guidance, structure, and positive behavioral support
• Foster a safe, supportive, and therapeutic living environment
• Encourage community participation and skill-building opportunities
• Support residents in resolving challenges and strengthening healthy coping strategies

Residential Counselors support residents before and after school by:

• Assisting with morning routines and preparation for school
• Conducting daily resident check-ins
• Facilitating therapeutic, recreational, and skill-building groups
• Supporting homework, independent living skills, and social development
• Supervising community outings and recreational activities
• Assisting with meals, chores and evening routines
• Helping residents navigate behavioral, emotional, and interpersonal challenges

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required
• Valid California driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with adolescents or young adults with emotional, behavioral, developmental or mental health challenges
• Dependable, reliable, and able to consistently maintain the assigned work schedule
• Strong communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills

Benefits (30+ hours per week)

Help Group offers wonderful training opportunities, a supportive, professional work environment, and great benefits, including:    

• $2,500 Sign On Bonus
• Insurance plans for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance - options for 100% employer sponsored plans
• 403b Retirement Plan  
• 529 College Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Flexible Spending Account  
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• Benefit Hub - Employee Rewards and Incentives
• Pet Insurance

Learn more about our Residential Programs here.

The salary range represents the low and high end of the salary someone in this role may earn as an employee of Help Group. Salaries will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to, professional and academic experience, certification, training, responsibilities of the position, and other business and organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of our total compensation package for employees. Salary decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each hire. Help Group reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. If your requirements fall outside of this range, you are still welcome to apply. 

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.