Residential Counselor (Full-Time)

Second Story for Teens in Crisis is part of Second Story, a nonprofit that transforms the lives of local youth and families in need by providing safe havens and opportunities to grow and thrive through residential and community-based programs. Our Teens in Crisis program is the only emergency home and safe haven 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 several individuals to work in-person as full-time (40 hours per week) Residential Counselors. This position is an excellent introduction to case management and crisis counseling in the mental health/social services field. Ideal candidates will be reliable, compassionate, adaptable, culturally competent, and eager to learn with strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities:

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

Schedule Options (hours are non-negotiable):

Schedule Option 1:

  • Sunday: 8:00am-6:00pm
  • Monday: 8:00am-6:00pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00am-6:00pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00am-6:00pm
  • Thursday: OFF
  • Friday: OFF
  • Saturday: OFF

Schedule Option 2:

  • Sunday: OFF
  • Monday: OFF
  • Tuesday: OFF
  • Wednesday: 8:00am-6:00pm
  • Thursday: 8:00am-6:00pm
  • Friday: 8:00am-6:00pm
  • Saturday: 8:00am-6:00pm

Schedule Option 3:

  • Sunday: OFF
  • Monday: OFF
  • Tuesday: OFF
  • Wednesday: 1:00pm-11:00pm
  • Thursday: 1:00pm-11:00pm
  • Friday: 1:00pm-11:00pm
  • Saturday: 1:00pm-11:00pm

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 a background investigation prior to employment and become certified in CPR/First Aid and Medication Administration
  • PREFERRED: Prior experience in the mental health field, especially with teenagers
  • PREFERRED: Ability to speak Spanish

Hourly Salary:  This position pays $23 per hour (or $24 per hour for candidates who speak Spanish fluently).

Benefits:  Second Story offers a highly competitive benefits package, including:

  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Annual merit-based salary increases for employees in good standing
  • Free health insurance for staff (and reduced rates for family members)
  • A Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that fully covers your individual deductible
  • Low-cost dental and vision insurance
  • Employer-paid Life and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • Access to an employee discount program
  • SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer match (after one year)

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 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 children and teens who are at-risk and participating in our after-school 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!