Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly complex world, the need for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors has never been more critical.

With each new generation, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, support, and foster the emotional and social development of our youth grows.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core elements of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate details of child and adolescent behavioral counseling,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we offer a customizable Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors work with children and teenagers to assist them in managing their behaviors and emotions.

They use techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and family counseling to help their clients develop healthy coping mechanisms.

The specific duties and responsibilities of a Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor include:

• Assessing the mental and emotional health of the child or adolescent through interviews, observations, and various testing methods
• Developing individualized treatment plans based on the needs and goals of the client
• Providing counseling sessions to clients, both individually and in group settings
• Teaching children and adolescents various techniques to manage their behaviors and emotions
• Collaborating with parents, teachers, and other relevant parties to implement the treatment plan
• Monitoring the progress of the client and making adjustments to the treatment plan as necessary
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation of sessions, treatment plans, and progress reports
• Providing crisis intervention services when necessary
• Continually updating knowledge and skills through professional development activities and research

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor to provide therapeutic support for children and teenagers experiencing behavioral, emotional, and mental health issues.

The Counselor’s responsibilities include identifying areas of concern through patient consultation, creating individualized treatment plans, and evaluating patient progress over time.

Our ideal candidate possesses excellent interpersonal skills, knowledge of a variety of therapeutic techniques, and a strong dedication to improving the lives of young patients.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and diagnostic evaluations to understand patients’ needs and problems
• Develop individualized treatment plans in accordance with patients’ needs
• Provide individual and group counseling sessions to help patients overcome their issues
• Consult with other professionals, such as psychiatrists and social workers, to provide holistic care to patients
• Monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes and reports
• Assist patients and their families in navigating and accessing community resources
• Provide crisis intervention as needed
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities

 

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field
• Current state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or similar
• Experience working with children and adolescents in a counseling setting
• Knowledge of various therapy techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations
• Ability to handle stressful situations with professionalism and empathy

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. Some travel may be required for home visits or meetings with other service providers.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Counseling Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and three references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor Do?

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors typically work in mental health clinics, schools, healthcare facilities, or private practices.

Their primary role is to help children and adolescents understand and overcome behavioral and emotional issues.

They use a variety of counseling and therapy techniques to help their clients cope with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and adjustment problems.

They work closely with parents, teachers, and other caregivers to understand the child’s environment and suggest appropriate interventions and strategies to manage behavior.

They also advocate for their clients in different settings such as schools or social services.

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors conduct assessments and develop treatment plans tailored to each client’s specific needs.

They monitor the progress of these plans, making adjustments as necessary.

They may also conduct group therapy sessions for children and adolescents dealing with similar issues, providing them with a supportive environment to share their experiences and learn coping strategies.

In addition, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors often provide guidance and support to the families of their clients, helping them to understand the child’s challenges and advising them on how to provide the best possible support at home.

They are required to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in all their interactions with clients and their families.

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Strong understanding of child and adolescent psychology, development, and behavior to accurately assess and treat behavioral issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with children, adolescents, and their families.
• Effective communication skills to clearly explain diagnosis, treatment plans, and progress to parents and other health care professionals.
• Proficient in utilizing therapeutic techniques and interventions suitable for children and adolescents to promote positive behavior change.
• Problem-solving skills to formulate and implement personalized treatment plans that address individualized needs.
• Strong observational skills to accurately assess clients’ behavior and progress.
• Patience and empathy to handle sensitive situations and provide emotional support to clients and their families.
• Possess a Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or related field.
• Hold a valid license or certification in behavioral counseling or therapy.

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor Experience Requirements

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors typically require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as psychology, social work, or counseling to get their foot in the door.

However, many roles also require a master’s degree in counseling or clinical psychology, with a focus on child and adolescent development.

Entry-level candidates often gain their initial experience through an internship or practicum during their graduate program, working under the supervision of a licensed counselor.

This experience often includes providing counseling services to children and adolescents, under supervision, in a clinical setting.

After the completion of their degree, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors are often required to complete a certain amount of supervised clinical experience to become licensed.

This varies by state but typically requires two years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have a more advanced understanding of counseling techniques and theories, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

They often have experience working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings, such as schools, mental health clinics, and private practice.

Those with over 5 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of complex mental health issues and have developed advanced counseling skills.

They may also have experience in leadership roles, such as supervising other counselors or managing a program or clinic, and are likely ready for a more senior position.

Continuing education is also a significant aspect of a counselor’s experience as they are often required to complete continuing education credits to maintain their licensure.

This provides opportunities for counselors to stay updated on the latest research and developments in the field of child and adolescent behavioral counseling.

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor Education and Training Requirements

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors generally require a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.

These programs teach students about developmental psychology, mental health disorders, counseling techniques, and ethical issues in counseling.

After graduation, candidates are typically required to complete a period of supervised clinical experience.

Many states require Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors to be licensed, which typically involves meeting the education and experience requirements, and passing a state-approved exam.

In addition to these requirements, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors should have strong communication skills, a high level of compassion, and a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges facing children and adolescents.

Continuing education is also essential in this field, as it allows counselors to stay up-to-date with the latest research and treatment strategies.

Some counselors may also choose to pursue a doctoral degree or additional certifications in a specialized area, such as play therapy or trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

Lastly, hands-on training or internships during their degree program can provide valuable real-world experience and help these professionals better understand the intricacies of their roles.

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor Salary Expectations

A Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor can expect to earn an average salary of $46,240 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on their level of experience, the region in which they are practicing, and the type of facility they are employed at.

 

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor need?

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors need excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with children, adolescents and their families.

They should have a deep understanding of child psychology and developmental stages.

Problem-solving abilities, patience, and empathy are also crucial in this role.

Additionally, counselors should have strong observational and analytical skills to accurately assess and intervene in behavioral issues.

 

Do Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors need a degree?

Yes, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.

However, a master’s degree is often preferred.

Additionally, they must have relevant state licensure to practice, which usually involves additional coursework, supervised experience, and successful completion of a licensure exam.

 

What should you look for in a Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor resume?

Firstly, ensure that the candidate has the necessary educational qualifications and licensure for the role.

Look for experience in working with children and adolescents, particularly if they have managed cases similar to those typically seen in your setting.

Specialized training or certifications in specific therapeutic approaches can also be an asset.

Finally, excellent references from previous employers or supervisors can indicate a strong candidate.

 

What qualities make a good Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor?

A good Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselor is compassionate, patient, and able to connect with young clients on their level.

They should be observant and able to interpret non-verbal cues, as children may not always articulate their feelings clearly.

Effective counselors are also adaptable, capable of modifying their approach based on each client’s unique needs and circumstances.

Lastly, they must have strong ethical standards and respect client confidentiality.

 

What are the challenges faced by Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors?

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Counselors often deal with complex and emotional situations, which can be emotionally draining.

They may encounter resistance from their young clients or their families, making behavior change a slow process.

Additionally, they often need to coordinate with other professionals like teachers, social workers, and healthcare providers, which requires excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of best practices and therapeutic techniques is also essential, and can require ongoing education and training.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the multifaceted role of a child and adolescent behavioral counselor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about listening and advising.

It’s about helping to shape the future, one counseling session at a time.

Armed with our tried-and-tested child and adolescent behavioral counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But, why halt your journey here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating precise job listings or perfecting your resume to a tee.

Always remember:

Every counseling session contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future. Together.

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