Youth Counselor — Direct Care, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM

Job overview

The Youth Counselor — Direct Care, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM role is onsite in Woodward, IA, paying $19–$20 per hour, with a $1,000 sign-on bonus. Woodward Academy’s supportive, trauma-responsive team provides a safe and structured residential environment for youth. The counselor supervises and supports middle- and high-school-aged youth, builds relationships while maintaining boundaries, and responds to challenging behavior using communication and de-escalation. The role also supports recreational, vocational, and life-skill activities, contributes to treatment goals through observation and limit setting, and completes required documentation.

What you'll do

• Build positive relationships and maintain professional boundaries
• supervise youth during daily activities
• set expectations and follow through
• address challenging behavior calmly
• use communication, redirection, and de-escalation
• support recreational, vocational, and life-skill activities
• contribute to treatment goals through observation and limit setting
• communicate with teammates
• complete documentation and reports
• respond to crises and follow safety procedures.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

youth counselor

direct care

woodward ia

residential youth care

3:00 pm–11:00 pm

$19–$20/hr

$1,000 sign-on bonus

paid training

de-escalation

trauma-responsive team

high school diploma

tuition reimbursement

housing assistance

student loan assistance

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, holiday pay, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, paid birthday, DailyPay, wellness programs, parental leave, and housing assistance.

Why this role

Paid initial training; experience in youth, residential care, behavioral health, education, coaching, juvenile services, criminal justice, or direct care is helpful but not required.

About the employer

Woodward Academy is hiring for this role. Industry: Child and Youth Services. Sector: 62.