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Residential Relief Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PROGRESS FOUNDATION

Relief Counselor-Napa

Napa, CA · On-site

$24.31/hr

Relief Counselors provide support in our residential treatment programs located in the cities of Napa, Santa Rosa, and San Francisco. Progress Foundation programs provide residential behavioral ...

PROGRESS FOUNDATION

Relief Counselor-Napa

Napa, CA · On-site

$24.31/hr

Relief Counselors provide support in our residential treatment programs located in the cities of Napa, Santa Rosa, and San Francisco. Progress Foundation programs provide residential behavioral ...

Pine Street Inn

Relief Residential Counselor

Boston, MA · On-site

$21.40 - $30/hr

The Relief Counselor is responsible for the overall safety of the participants within the programs of Behavioral Health/Specialized Housing. Relief staff will be assigned to the location(s) in need ...

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Residential Relief Counselor information

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How much do residential relief counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential relief counselor in the United States is $19.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residential relief counselor?

Residential Relief Counselors are professionals who provide temporary support and care for individuals living in residential facilities, such as group homes or treatment centers. They step in as needed to cover shifts when regular staff members are unavailable, ensuring that residents continue to receive supervision, assistance with daily activities, and emotional support. Their responsibilities may include monitoring safety, administering medication, and facilitating recreational or therapeutic activities. Relief Counselors play a crucial role in maintaining a stable and safe environment for residents during staff absences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a residential relief counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Residential Relief Counselor, you need knowledge of behavioral health, crisis intervention, and client support, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in human services. Familiarity with documentation systems, incident reporting tools, and basic computer skills is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, patience, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for building trust with residents and managing challenging situations. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and positive development of residents while supporting a safe and supportive environment.

What are some common challenges residential relief counselors face when working with clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Residential Relief Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral crises, building trust with clients quickly, and adapting to the varying needs of residents during different shifts. To address these challenges, counselors rely on strong communication skills, consistent application of established protocols, and close collaboration with the permanent residential team. It's also important to remain flexible and maintain a calm, supportive presence to de-escalate situations and provide continuity of care, even when working on a temporary or fill-in basis.

What is the difference between Residential Relief Counselor vs Residential Counselor?

AspectResidential Relief CounselorResidential Counselor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid; sometimes state-specific certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid; sometimes state-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentTemporary or shift-based coverage in residential facilitiesFull-time or part-time in residential settings
Employer & IndustryChild and youth residential programs, group homesChild and youth residential programs, group homes
Job FocusProviding immediate relief coverage, supporting staff, ensuring safetyLong-term support, daily supervision, and care of residents

Both roles require similar credentials and work in residential settings, but the Residential Relief Counselor primarily provides temporary coverage and support, while the Residential Counselor offers ongoing, daily care for residents.

What degree do you need to be a residential relief counselor?

A residential relief counselor typically needs at least a high school diploma or equivalent; however, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Relevant certifications and experience in mental health or social services can also be important for this role.

What does it mean to be a residential relief counselor?

A residential relief counselor is a professional who provides temporary support and supervision to residents in a residential facility, often stepping in to cover staff absences or high-demand periods. They assist with daily activities, ensure safety, and support residents' needs, typically working in shifts and requiring relevant training or certifications. Their role helps maintain consistent care and stability within the facility.

Where do residential relief counselors work?

Residential relief counselors work in temporary or substitute settings within residential facilities such as group homes, shelters, or treatment centers. They provide support and supervision to residents, often working shifts that include evenings, nights, and weekends, and may need relevant certifications or training in crisis intervention and safety procedures.
More about Residential Relief Counselor jobs

What job categories do people searching Residential Relief Counselor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Residential Relief Counselor jobs are:

Residential Relief Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Residential Relief Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,503 per year, or $20 per hour.

Residential Relief - Developmental Disabilities

Eliot Community Human Services

Woburn, MA • On-site

$18.50 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Eliot Community Human Services rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Eliot is seeking a dedicated Residential Relief Counselor to join our Developmental Disabilities division. Our residential programs offer a person-centered continuum of services that provides innovative and high quality programming to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program offers support and opportunities for individuals to enrich their lives, develop social and daily living skills, and build social and community connections.   

As a Residential Relief Counselor, you will work to empower individuals to make choices and maintain control over their daily lives, including routines at home and leisure activities. This involves providing information about available options to support independent decision-making in all aspects of daily living.

Responsibilities:

  • Support individuals in daily living by promoting choice, dignity, cultural respect, and personal autonomy within home and community environments
  • Ensure safety and well-being by responding to mental health, behavioral, and medical needs, reporting concerns, and implementing crisis interventions when necessary
  • Facilitate community integration, personal relationships, and access to social supports while maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards
  • Implement Individual Support Plans, assist with medication administration, transportation, and home maintenance, and adhere to all agency, DPH, and DMR regulations
  • Maintain accurate documentation, uphold confidentiality, complete required trainings and certifications, and participate in supervision, meetings, and continuous improvement efforts

Qualifications:

  • Requires a high school diploma 
  • Experience working with intellectually disabled or brain injured adults.
  • Ability to drive residence van
  • Must possess a valid Massachusetts driver's license and maintain a personally owned vehicle
  • Must be flexible to work in Lexington, Woburn, Bedford and Arlington locations

Schedule: Various flexible schedules available.

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