Senior Residential Counselor (full-time)

Second Story for Teens in Crisis is part of Second Story, a nonprofit that Second Story equips local youth and their families with the tools, housing, and communities of support needed to achieve lasting self-sufficiency through residential and community-based programs. Our Teens in Crisis program is the only emergency home in Northern Virginia for teens ages 13–17, providing shelter, safety, counseling, and support during critical moments in a young person’s life. We are seeking an individual to work as a full-time (40 hours per week) Senior Residential Counselor. This position is an excellent continuation in the case management and crisis counseling fields. The ideal candidate will be reliable, compassionate, adaptable, culturally competent, and experienced with strong communication, problem-solving, leadership, and conflict resolution skills.
Responsibilities:

  • Support residents through the daily house schedule
  • Maintain a safe, secure, and healthy living environment
  • Provide clinical case management, including case notes and treatment plans
  • Conduct individual, group, and family counseling sessions
  • Complete intakes and discharges
  • Conduct biopsychosocial assessments
  • Answer crisis hotline calls

Schedule (days/hours are non-negotiable):

  • Mondays: 2pm-11pm (in-person)
  • Tuesdays: 2pm-11pm (in-person)
  • Wednesdays: 2:30pm-4:30pm (virtual/from home)
  • Thursdays: OFF
  • Fridays: OFF
  • Saturdays: 1pm-11pm (in-person)
  • Sundays: 1pm-11pm (in-person)
  • PLEASE NOTE: We value schedule consistency. While schedules are based on current program needs and are expected to remain generally stable, adjustments may occasionally be necessary. When changes are required, we will provide as much advance notice as possible.

Qualifications:

  • REQUIRED: Must have a bachelor’s degree (preferably in psychology, social work, human services, or a related field)
  • REQUIRED: Must be willing to undergo background investigations prior to employment, plus become certified in CPR/First Aid and Medication Administration
  • REQUIRED: 2-5+ years of prior experience in the mental health field, especially with teenagers and/or in a residential setting
  • REQUIRED: Some prior experience with training and supervising others
  • PREFERRED: Ability to speak Spanish

Salary:

This position pays $26 per hour.

Benefits:

Second Story offers a highly competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

  • Paid annual and sick leave
  • Annual merit-based salary increases for employees in good standing
  • Free health insurance for staff (with employee-paid costs for dependents)
  • A Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that partially covers your individual and family medical deductibles
  • Free dental and vision insurance
  • Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
  • Free access to an employee discount program
  • SIMPLE‑IRA retirement plan with employer match (after one year of employment)

Equal Opportunities:

Second Story is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to fair and merit-based employment practices and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Join Us!

If you’re looking for a meaningful career where every day brings an opportunity to make a difference, support teens in crisis, and contribute to a mission that changes lives, we would love to hear from you.

To Apply:

Send your resume and (optional) cover letter to: SSTC-resumes@second-story.org

Need Help?

If you need help right away, our 24/7 hotline provides support and referrals to services in the Washington DC metro area.
Call 1-800-SAY-TEEN or text “TEENHELP” to 855-11

Your Impact

We make every dollar count. The direct support of young people, their families and their communities, is our first priority. Here are examples of how your donation may be used.

$20,000

  • Three high school students experiencing homelessness receive a full year of rental assistance and support services so they can remain in school and graduate with their class.

$1,000

  • One teenager receives a safe haven, warm bed, food, and round-the-clock support for five nights at Second Story for Teens in Crisis, or
  • Eight months of therapy for a young woman in the Second Story for Young Mothers program.

$500

  • One teen receives daily counseling during a three-week stay at Second Story for Teens in Crisis, or
  • Twenty counseling sessions for the teens who are at-risk and participating in our early intervention programs.

$100

  • Three teens receive a therapy session at Second Story for Teens in Crisis, or
  • Two weeks of food for a young mother and her child at Second Story for Young Mothers.

Thank you for your support!