What does a Residential Counselor do?
Residential care counselors provide support and assistance to clients living in a residential facility or structured living program. They help residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) tasks, which include grooming, hygiene, meals, establishing a sleep routine, and exercise. Their duties include helping residents master life skills such as chores, shopping, and possibly performing a job of some sort. These counselors also provide case management services and help to coordinate supplemental programs and resources that may be available to residents.
Residential care counselors have at least an associate degree in human services or a related field. Experience working in residential care or a similar support role is helpful. These roles require patience and the ability to treat clients with care and understanding. A variety of clearances and background checks are routinely required.
Residential Counselor Salaries
Average Base Pay
Residential Counselor Career Path
Learn how to become a Residential Counselor, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Residential Counselor Insights
Loeb House,“Loeb House is great place to work if you want to start your career in mental health”
Everas Community Services“It’s a great job for part time employees looking to make a little extra money.”
Wediko Children's Services“Great opportunity to see if this is the field you really want to go into.”
Achieve together“Good and friendly environment to work”
KidsTLC“Everyone else gets restraint training (SCM) and nothing more beyond a 2 hour introduction to therapy in orientation.”
Pearl Healthcare Group“I was fortunate enough to have been give an amazing opportunity to work at Capricorn Cottage as a residential support worker.”
Baker Places“Great clients and coworkers.”
Evolve Treatment Centers“I felt very supported by everyone at my facility and it helped me grow my career.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Residential Counselor
- Direct Support Professional
- Caregiver
- Clinical Social Worker
- Social Worker