Overnight Residential Counselor

The Susan Wayne Center, part of Justice Resource Institute, is seeking Overnight Residential Counselors to help young adults navigate serious emotional challenges. This role focuses on guiding students through overnight supervision, safety, and skill-building in a supportive setting. The position sits on site at the center’s rural Thompson campus in Connecticut, a campus that combines home-like facilities with a calm, pastoral environment. The role would suit someone who is patient, steady, and committed to making a meaningful difference in youths’ lives.

The Susan Wayne Center of Excellence and River Run Academy deliver intensive residential, educational, medical, and clinical services for adolescent boys and girls who have mild to moderate cognitive impairment along with behavioral, mental health, and medical issues. On this rural campus in Thompson, CT, the team works to create a stable environment where students can engage in learning, recovery, and daily living skills. The setting supports students who have often experienced complex trauma and who typically require extra help in the classroom as well as with emotional and behavioral regulation and life skills.

This overnight counselor role is designed for someone who is ready to provide humane, respectful care and to support students as they work through challenges, with a focus on safety, dignity, and constructive growth.

The Work You’ll Do At The Susan Wayne Center

During overnight shifts, the counselor delivers humane treatment and preserves the dignity of each student, applying interventions in the safest and least restrictive manner possible. The role requires adherence to the JRI Code of Conduct and Ethics, along with confidentiality policies governing student records. Crisis interventions must be carried out according to BCC protocols, with any protocol violations reported to a program administrator. The counselor works in alignment with the Treatment Team, providing supervision, training, and assistance to fellow counselors as they carry out residential assessments and interventions with students. They also help students follow the daily program, including meals, recreation, housekeeping, chores, and activities of daily living, and support the overall rhythm of the campus schedule. Overtime may be mandated when the needs of the program require it.

The Right Candidate For This Overnight Role

Must-have requirements include being 21 years of age or older, holding a high school diploma, and preferably possessing a Bachelor’s Degree in human services, psychology, social work, or sociology. The candidate must remain awake through the overnight shift to ensure safety and wellbeing, and be able to express ideas clearly in writing and in speech. Independence in planning and organizing one’s own schedule and tasks is essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively. Mental health program experience with adolescents is preferred, and knowledge of basic Microsoft software and internet use is a plus. Background checks require an acceptable driving record, Nationwide Alpha background check, CT criminal background check, and DCF background check. A pre-employment physical examination must be passable, and certification in BCC is required. A valid driver’s license with approval to drive for JRI business is needed, along with certification in American Red Cross CPR/First Aid. Eligibility for Medication Administration certification for DCF and/or DDS is indicated, and availability to work any shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is expected to meet staffing needs.

Nice-to-have items include a Bachelor’s degree in the listed fields and prior mental health program experience with adolescents; familiarity with basic Microsoft computer systems; and the potential for a bilingual candidate to receive a $2,000 bilingual bonus if fluent in a second language. The role also expects candidates to be prepared to pursue required licenses and certifications as they arise, with reimbursement or support available for licensing costs as described by the employer.

Justice Resource Institute is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a culture built on respect, collaboration, and opportunity for every team member.

Pay And Practical Details

The pay range for this position is $19.00 to $25.00 per hour, and there is a possibility that overtime may be mandated due to the needs of the youth served. The role is full-time and onsite in Thompson, Connecticut, with benefits that include Blue Cross medical and Delta Dental coverage. Retirement options feature a 401K plan matched up to $800 per year and a pension after five years of employment. Professional development is supported with tuition reimbursement up to almost $4,000 per year and discounted tuition rates at select partner colleges and universities. A $2,000 bilingual bonus is offered to new hires fluent in a second language and used to better serve clients. Additional benefits include license and registration reimbursements for required professional licenses, wellness resources and an Employee Assistance Program, and generous paid time off of up to 19 days in the first year.

All applicants should note that JRI is an equal opportunity employer.

Advice For Applicants For This Overnight Counselor Role

Put the Overnight Residential Counselor responsibilities and any relevant adolescent mental health work up front on your resume, especially overnight experience and any crisis intervention training you’ve completed.

Show you meet the must-have skills by documenting your ability to stay awake during overnight shifts, and list the certifications that apply, such as BCC, CPR/First Aid, and any Medication Administration eligibility. Include your driving eligibility and license status as well.

Be prepared to discuss crisis intervention techniques and BCC protocols with concrete examples, including how interventions were carried out and what outcomes were achieved for students.

Ask a thoughtful question about licensing and education support, such as what license reimbursement exists, how tuition reimbursement is structured, and whether bilingual abilities can unlock the $2,000 bilingual bonus. These topics connect directly to the benefits and requirements described for this role.