Direct Care Counselor

Job DetailsJob Location: Needham - Needham, MA 02492Position Type: Full-TimeEducation Level: High School/GEDSalary Range: $20.00 - $21.00 HourlyJob Shift: AnyAbout Walker 

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts. 

 

Make a Difference Every Day—and Gain Skills You Can Use for Life 

As a Direct Care Counselor at Walker, you'll work directly with children and teens who are navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. You'll be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team that helps youth feel safe, connected, and ready to grow. Whether you're starting your career or exploring the human services field, this is a chance to build valuable experience while making a real impact. New high school and college graduates strongly encouraged to apply! 

 

Essential Functions 

Direct Care and Milieu Management 



Directly supervise children and teens in residential and school settings 





Provide a therapeutic milieu environment, maintaining a safe and healthy setting that meets the physical and emotional needs of youth 





Plan and implement engaging social and recreational activities for children and teens 





Assist with daily living activities and help youth develop independent living skills 





Apply Walker’s relationship-based childcare model; use Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies and physical restraint only when necessary for safety 



Treatment and Clinical Support 



Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the emotional, behavioral, and educational development of youth 





Implement treatment protocols established in youth’s treatment plans, IEPs, and individual crisis management plans 





Administer medication in accordance with Walker's policies and procedures 





Respond to emergencies quickly and safely using TCI and crisis intervention skills 





Participate actively in supervision and remain receptive to feedback and professional development 



Documentation and Administrative Functions 



Attend required meetings and team conferences 





Complete oral and written reports accurately and on time 





Maintain proper documentation of care provided and incidents 



Other  



Perform all other duties as assigned 



 

Skills and Abilities 

 



Flexibility and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team 





Strong interpersonal and communication skills 





Ability to remain calm and make safe decisions in high-pressure situations 





Capacity to work effectively in a stressful and fast-paced environment 





Ability to learn, retain, and apply principles taught in training and supervision 





Physical stamina to participate in activities with children,  





Ability to stand, walk, and run for extended periods, perform frequent bending, stooping, stretching, lifting, sitting, stairs and therapeutic physical interventions 


QualificationsEducation 



High School diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferred 



Required


Ability to pass criminal background check  

Reliable transportation 



Preferred 



Previous experience working in a similar setting preferred 



 

Schedule Options 

 

We offer flexible scheduling with 4-day work week options: 



Second Shift: Sunday-Wednesday 





Second Shift: Wednesday-Saturday 





Overnight: Weekend (Friday – Monday) 





Overnight: Weeknight (Monday – Thursday) 





Bi-weekly rotating schedules 





Other flexibility considered based on program needs 



 

Benefits 

 

Walker offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including: 

 

Health and Wellness 



Medical, dental, and vision coverage for individuals and families 





Generous paid time off (vacation and sick time)





11 paid holidays (shift differential if scheduled to work)