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Washington County Mental Health Services

Overnight Residential Counselor

Washington County Mental Health Services, South Barre, Vermont, United States

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Overnight Residential Counselors provide safety, structure, and emotional support for youth with significant emotional and behavioral challenges during some of the most difficult times in their lives. By building trusting relationships and creating a calm, home‑like environment, you help youth feel secure, supported, and ready to work toward permanency and stability. This role is especially critical during evening and overnight hours, when consistency, responsiveness, and thoughtful intervention can make a meaningful difference in a young person’s sense of safety and well‑being.

What We Offer

Competitive salary

Generous medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance – WCMHS covers 82.5 – 92% of premium costs

Matching 403(b) – match begins at 4.25% and increases based on years of service

Employee assistance plan

Generous sick and vacation accruals. Full- and part‑time regular positions receive 12 days’ vacation and 12 days sick time annually – prorated based on standard hours

12.5 paid holidays annually

Mileage reimbursement for agency related travel

Fun and engaging environment and the ability to give back to the local community

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide overnight and evening supervision in a residential home for youth with significant emotional and behavioral needs

Identify potential risk situations and use de‑escalation strategies to support youth safely

Implement individualized behavior and crisis plans consistently and compassionately

Provide supportive counseling and therapeutic interventions during nighttime hours as needed

Maintain familiarity with each youth’s needs, triggers, and goals to support effective intervention

Complete required documentation each shift, including logs, medication entries, point sheets, timesheets, and assigned paperwork

Maintain a collaborative, team‑based approach with coworkers, consultants, and supervisors

Ensure the physical safety of youth and others in the home

Participate in required trainings and follow supervision directives and agency policies

Provide transportation for youth as assigned, using a personal vehicle when required

Perform additional duties as assigned to support youth and program needs

Qualifications Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field preferred

Relevant experience working with youth with emotional or behavioral challenges may be considered in lieu of formal education

Knowledge and Competencies

Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with youth

Flexibility and adaptability to respond to the changing needs of youth and residential settings

Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to remain calm in high‑stress situations

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Willingness to learn and apply crisis de‑escalation and passive restraint techniques

Experience providing direct instruction or therapeutic services to youth with challenging behaviors (preferred)

Commitment to following individualized treatment plans, supervision guidance, and agency policies

Work Environment This position is based in a residential treatment home and primarily consists of evening and overnight shifts, including weekends. Staff provide supervision during nighttime hours and may need to respond to behavioral or emotional crises to ensure safety. The role requires physical activity, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and implementing physical restraints when necessary. Driving youth using a personal vehicle may be required, and staff must maintain appropriate insurance coverage. The environment can be fast‑paced and emotionally demanding, requiring alertness, professionalism, and compassion throughout overnight shifts.

Compensation This position starts at $23.83 and includes comprehensive benefits including paid time off, employer-sponsored health, dental, life, and disability insurances; a 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer match; and educational benefits such as tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment.

To Apply We encourage applicants to apply via the WCMHS website Careers page. WCMHS strives to make our application process accessible to all. If you need language assistance or an accommodation in the application process, please contact us at recruitment@wcmhs.org or 802‑229‑1399.

Equal Opportunity Statement Washington County Mental Health Services is an equal opportunity employer. Grounded in our understanding that diversity makes us stronger, we are committed to inclusion in our workplace and services. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and consider applications for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health care coverage status, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

About the Agency For more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the towns of Orange, Washington and Williamstown. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment of individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high‑quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Mental Health Services is “Where Hope and Support Come Together.”

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