YOUTH VILLAGES, INC.·Douglasville, Georgia
The counselor provides individual, group, and family therapy to youth in a residential setting while creating and updating individualized treatment plans. They are also responsible for managing admissions, discharges, and coordinating care with the treatment team.
For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C.
Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems.
At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org Program Overview: Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges.
These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting.
A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations).
Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.
Essential
The Residential Master's Level Counselor: Works directly with 8 to 12 youth daily Utilizes evidence-based practices when providing individual, group and family therapy to each resident Creates individualized treatment plans for each youth and updates them bi-weekly Completes admissions and discharges for the youth on residential campuses (including initial assessment and psychosocial) Consults with the treatment team and other staff members to plan placements, transfers, and discharges of youth Coordinates weekend visits for youth and develop safety plans with families Facilitates treatment meetings and consultations Completes daily documentation (such as missed appointments, contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR) Performs other duties as assigned
The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility. Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds. Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation. Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.
$62,000 - $65,000 / year based on education and clinical license
Master’s degree in social services field (required) Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review) Must be willing to pursue licensure with supervision provided (required) Once year of counseling experience (required) Experience in a residential setting (preferred) Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families (preferred) Experience working with youth (required) Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Basic computer knowledge Ability to maintain a flexible schedule Youth Villages Benefits Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision 401(k) Time off: 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time) 12 paid sick days per year 11 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable) Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision Growth & development through continuous training Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities *Benefits are excluded for variable status employees. Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
A Master's degree in a social services field is required, along with at least one year of counseling experience. Candidates must be willing to pursue clinical licensure and possess the physical ability to perform safety interventions.
Market context
Behavioral health roles in Georgia are often competitive because employers look for candidates with a master’s degree in a related field or an active Georgia nursing license, plus prior behavioral health experience; inpatient experience is especially valued. Benefits commonly include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and a 401(k) with company match. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your fit against the original posting before applying.