Residential Counselor
Description OES Code: 27307
Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment institutions, boarding schools, college fraternities or sororities, children homes, or similar establishments. Work includes developing or assisting in the development of program plans for individuals, maintaining household records, and assigning rooms. Counsel residents in identifying and resolving social or other problems. Order supplies and determine need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $6.99
25th Percentile $7.73
50th Percentile $9.54
75th Percentile $11.22

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 16,600
Projected Employment 2008 22,800
Percent Change 1998-2008 37.3%
Separations 1998-2008 4,500

Employment Trends by California County

Getting the Job & Other Information
Those seeking employment as Residential Counselors may find opportunities in the following industries: Health Services, Nursing And Personal Care Facilities, Educational Services, Social Services, Individual And Family Services, Job Training And Related Services, Residential Care, Executive, Legislative, And General, Executive And Legislative Combined, Justice, Public Order And Safety, Administration Of Human Resources, Admin. Of Educational Programs, National Security And Intl. Affairs, National Security.

Education and Training
You may be required to have a bachelor's degree to obtain employment in this field. Relevant coursework may include a course in Child Care Provider/Assistant: An instructional program that prepares individuals to be primary providers of home, family, residential or institutionally based child care services. Includes instruction in planning, organizing and conducting meaningful play and learning activities; child monitoring and supervision; record-keeping; and referral procedures.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Skills & Other Requirements
They following skills and abilities are important for those working as residential counselors: Apply Active Listening Techniques; Apply Childhood Development Theories; Apply Confidentiality Procedures; Apply Conflict Resolution Techniques (Mediation); Apply Counseling Techniques; Apply Emergency Management Principles; Apply Gerontology Theory; Apply Interviewing Skills; Apply Psychological Assessment Tools; Communicate With Children And Adults; Interpret/Explain Government/Organization Rules/Policies; Prepare Cost Benefit Analysis; Prepare Meals; Recognize Childhood Diseases; Recognize Home Safety Hazards As Part Of Health Care Services; Refer Clients To Community Services; Supplement Inmate Counseling; Use Appropriate Cultural Pronunciation; Use Computer Keyboard; Use Correct Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling; Use Personal/Vital Care Procedures In Institutional Living Facility; Use Principles Of Group Dynamics; Use Public Administration Principles; Use Word Processing Software; Work With Persons With Mental Disabilities/Illnesses.

References
Oregon Labor Market Information System Occupational Information Center

Related Occupations: Social Workers, Personal Home Care Aides

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)