Ensure the safety and well-being of children in a therapeutic residential setting by providing direct care and supervising daily routines. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to implement and document individualized treatment plans and manage disruptive behaviors.
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.
Pay Range
$18.13-$29.90
EEO Statement
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
Location
BH-East Greenwich-CADD Heritage House - 170 Heritage Dr East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818
Work Type: Wk1 Sun 8a-2p & 2p-10p Fri 6a-2p Wk2 Mon 6a-2p Sat 8a-2p & 2p-10p
Work Shift
Evening
Daily Hours: 8 hours
Driving Required
Yes
Requirements
Requires six months to one year of direct care experience with at-risk or behaviorally challenged youth. A bachelor's degree in human services is preferred, along with certifications in BLS, First Aid, and crisis management.
bachelor degree
Patient Care
Observation
Crisis Intervention
Trauma-Informed Care
Behavior Management
Child Development
Patient Documentation
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Therapeutic Communication
Coping Skill Instruction
Posting details
Employment type
Part Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
0-2 yrs
Salary
$18 - $30/hr
Location
East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Posted
Jul 6, 2026
Application
Employer website
Market context
Rhode Island behavioral health roles stay competitive
Behavioral-health openings in Rhode Island often reflect steady demand for licensed therapists who can support adult, child, or adolescent clients across outpatient, school-based, or community settings. These roles are competitive because employers usually want a fully licensed Rhode Island clinician with population-specific experience, and the posted requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description to save you research time. Before applying, confirm your Rhode Island licensure status and match your client-age experience to the role.
