Assistant Lead Residential Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Lead Residential Counselor
Department: Residential Program
Reports to: Residential Director
Schedule: Full-Time, In-Person; Sunday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Saturday, with evening and weekend shifts required
Classification: Year-Round, Hourly Position, Non-Exempt Employee

Overview

Pine Haven Boys Center is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian residential and educational facility serving boys ages 6–14 who have experienced trauma, neglect, and behavioral or emotional challenges. Nestled on 100+ acres in Allenstown, NH—just 10 minutes south of Concord and 15 minutes north of Manchester—our intensive therapeutic and academic programs help students grow emotionally, socially, and academically.

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Assistant Lead Residential Counselor to join our residential program. This position is ideal for a human service professional ready to grow into a leadership role while remaining actively involved in direct youth care. The Assistant Lead Residential Counselor provides hands-on support to residents while also offering shift leadership, guidance, and oversight to other residential staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Demonstrates strong leadership, professionalism, and calm decision-making under pressure.
• Committed to trauma-informed care and maintaining a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment.
• Skilled at supporting youth with complex behavioral and emotional needs through consistency and empathy.
• Provides mentorship, direction, and support to residential staff during shifts.
• Maintains a nurturing, organized, and team-oriented approach to residential care.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Care and Residential Support

• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of all residents at all times.
• Create and maintain a structured and therapeutic living environment.
• Develop supportive, appropriate relationships with residents based on trust and consistency.
• Model and teach daily living skills, healthy routines, and positive social behaviors.
• Promote and uphold residents’ rights and dignity in all interactions.
• Facilitate and participate in structured recreational and therapeutic activities.
• Use de-escalation strategies and trauma-informed interventions to manage dysregulated behavior.
• Respond to emergencies and administer first aid when needed.

Leadership and Team Support

• Provide on-shift leadership, support, and direction to other residential counselors.
• Ensure daily routines, safety protocols, and therapeutic interventions are followed consistently.
• Serve as a point person for shift coordination and communication with supervisors.
• Mentor residential staff and assist with training and onboarding as needed.
• Monitor documentation and shift reports for accuracy and completeness.

Professional Development and Compliance

• Obtain and maintain certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), First Aid and CPR, and other required trainings.
• Adhere to organizational policies, safety procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
• Support therapeutic consistency and trauma-informed best practices across the residential team.
• Flexibly respond to additional responsibilities as requested, in alignment with program needs and organizational goals.

Schedule

• Two scheduling groups are available:
  • Sunday–Wednesday
  • Wednesday–Saturday
• Weekday shifts: 3:00 PM – 10:00/11:00 PM
• Weekend and holiday shifts: 8:00 AM – 10:00/11:00 PM
• Flexibility for school vacation schedules and coverage needs is required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Direct care staff shall be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, or general equivalency diploma, and meet one of the following pre-service training and education requirements:
  1. An associate’s or higher degree with a minimum of 12 credits in the field of human services, or another field related to residential care, awarded by a regionally accredited college or university;
  2. The equivalent of 2 years of full-time experience working with children, either as a paid employee or volunteer, including work as a para-professional in a public school;
  3. Any combination of college credits in human services and experience with children that total 2 years, as follows:
     • Two years of full-time college shall equal 60 credits
     • Two years of full-time employment shall equal 3,000 hours
     • One credit shall equal 50 hours of experience
  4. Documentation of 7 years of parenting experience; or
  5. The equivalent of 2 years of full-time experience working with adults in a licensed residential setting
• Prior experience with children with emotional/behavioral challenges preferred
• Ability to de-escalate crises verbally and intervene physically if required
• Ability to obtain certification in CPI, First Aid/CPR (training provided)
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must complete required certifications (CPI, First Aid, CPR) after hire.
• Weekend, holiday, and evening availability required.

• Ability to meet physical demands of therapeutic interventions and active supervision.
• Must be able to provide direct care while supporting and coordinating staff on shift.

Compensation

Pay: Determined based on experience, $23.70-$29.00 per hour, with generous wage rates above market standards.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position at our residential treatment campus in Allenstown, NH. The Assistant Lead Residential Counselor role combines direct care responsibilities with staff leadership in a dynamic residential environment. Success in this position requires flexibility, sound judgment, strong communication, and the ability to maintain safety, structure, and therapeutic consistency while supporting both residents and team members.