At a Glance
- Tasks: Support at-risk youth in a secure environment, guiding them through challenges with positivity.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, attractive benefits, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Prepare for challenging days but know your impact is invaluable.
- Why this job: Be a positive influence and help shape the future of young individuals.
- Qualifications: High school diploma or GED; experience with children preferred.
The predicted salary is between 59513 - 59513 £ per year.
This position must be filled by a male. We know you: you’re compassionate, enjoy working with kids and understand that with dedication, humility and sincerity, you can make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth.
What You Do and How You Do It
You will be working directly with up to eight residents in a secure environment. Our residents need help maintaining positive behaviour through encouragement, redirection, and a positive focus on our incentive-based behaviour management programme. While in our care, residents are trying to navigate a confusing world: the juvenile justice system. Many of our residents do not come from the best backgrounds. They may not have much family or community support. You may be the first positive influence they have had in their lives. So, when they have a rough day in school, receive bad news from family or in court, or just wake up on the wrong side of the bed, they are counting on you to help them through the day with a positive, caring attitude. You will help them manage conflict with peers; work towards their education; conduct psycho-educational groups that address anger, peer pressure, and substance use among other topics; have fun during gym time, and sometimes just discuss a movie they watched or a book they read while sharing a meal with them. You’ll also perform other work as required.
Here’s What You Need
- High school diploma or GED and three years of experience working with children or teenage groups; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology or related field is preferred.
- Great active listening skills and a genuine curiosity
- Superior interpersonal skills
- Professional maturity
- A calm, empathetic, and consistent demeanor
- The ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and efficiently, both orally and in writing
- Receptivity to constructive feedback
- The ability to remain calm, problem-solve, and make decisions in stressful situations
The salary range is $50,649 - $59,513 annually, plus an attractive benefits package. Must pass a Virginia Central Registry check. Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required. This position is considered Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Real Talk
We’ll be honest—you will have hard days in this job. The youth we serve have had difficult lives and have experienced various forms of trauma. There are times you may have to physically restrain a resident in order to protect the safety of staff, other residents, or even their own safety. Or you may need to sit and talk one‑on‑one with them for an hour just so you don’t have to physically restrain them. The residents you serve may not thank you for the job you do. They may even curse at you because of it. You may not get to see the long‑term impact you’ve had on residents. We understand this job is not for everyone, but if you have a passion for kids and are committed to making a positive difference in their lives, we want you on our team.
This position is a part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications and experience.
Please note: Position open until filled (first review to begin August 17, 2026).
Qualifications
3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. shift; includes weekends and holidays.
Youth Counselor BFOQ: Male in Chesterfield employer: Chesterfield County Government
Chesterfield County Government is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a strong commitment to trauma-informed care and positive behaviour management, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters growth through training and collaborative initiatives. Working in a secure facility in Chesterfield County offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youth while enjoying a fulfilling career in public service.
Contact Details:
Chesterfield County Government Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Counselor BFOQ: Male in Chesterfield
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Chesterfield County Government.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Chesterfield County Government!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Chesterfield County Government, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Chesterfield County Government or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Counselor BFOQ: Male in Chesterfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Chesterfield County Government:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Chesterfield County Government! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chesterfield County Government
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
