For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org


Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.
YV 360 is a unique career development program offering leadership growth within a nationally recognized organization. Designed for recent Bachelor’s level social service graduates with experience working with at-risk youth or their families, the program bridges the gap between college and a meaningful career in social services. Through mentorship, skill-building, and real-world impact, YV 360 prepares participants to succeed in their roles and advance their long-term professional goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Our YV 360 Career Development Program is a paid position with a 10-month commitment beginning in June 2026. After completing YV 360, you will continue full-time employment (with access to benefits) as a Behavioral Youth Counselor in one of our residential treatment programs.
The 360 Behavioral Youth Counselor, also known as a 360 Teacher Counselor:
Teaches youth necessary life skills and provides for their daily physical care
Participates in recreation therapy sessions with their assigned group of youth
Helps youth develop and implement positive coping skills using therapeutic interventions
Completesdaily documentation (such as contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes)in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
Receives support from Youth Villages' leaders alongside a cohort of 15 to 20 recent graduates
Attends monthly consultations including networking opportunities and small group discussions with our CEO and other chief officers
Develops leadership skills through projects, presentations, and trainings
Connects with Youth Villages staff through one-on-one mentoring
Enjoys local social outings as well as a retreat to our Inner Harbor campus located in Georgia
Performs other duties as assigned
The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility.
Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.
Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.
Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.
This position works on a non-traditional schedule and requires flexibility as it includes evening and weekend shifts. Behavioral Youth Counselors follow aSunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturdayrotation, generally working between12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The weekend day may include a16-hour shift based on campus staffing models. All staff are required to work at least40 hours per week, withovertime at time and a halffor additional hours. Specific campus schedules and rotation details will be discussed with the hiring manager in the interview process, and any adjustments for training or coverage will be communicated ahead of time.
Salary:
$54,000 to $64,000 per year based on schedule and hours worked.Time-and-a-half pay is provided for worked holidays.
Qualifications:
Must complete a Bachelor's degree in the social services field between December 2025 and May 2026 (required)
Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)
Availability to begin the program in June 2026 (required)
Experience with relevant populations such as at-risk youth, mentally or behaviorally challenged children while participating in internships, practicum, field placements, mentoring sessions, and/or volunteer opportunities (strongly preferred)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule


Youth Villages Benefits
Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
401(k)
Time off:
Paid Parental Leave
Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
Growth & development through continuous training
Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.


Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
