About Job

Part-Time Relief Counselor I/II

$30-$31 per hour

(on-site)

Closing Date: 10/14/2025

The City of Falls Church is recruiting for part-time Residential Relief Counselors to support the full-time staff at Aurora House Girls Group Home, a 12-bed, non-secure, community-based, temporary care residential program for adolescent females ages 13-20 experiencing court involvement or mental health concerns. This is a part-time role that will fill in for or give support to the Full-Time Residential Counselors.

We're seeking relief staff who are interested in committing to a monthly schedule. While relief shifts are inherently as-needed, we're specifically looking for individuals available on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Overnights, and recognized holidays. This predictable schedule ensures that our team has reliable coverage during these critical periods while still allowing the flexibility of a relief role. This role is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on experience in a residential setting while maintaining a flexible work schedule.

The City of Falls Church is an independent municipality six miles from the nation's capital. The City is known for its urban village community, quality customer service, nationally ranked school system, environmental activism, and endless community activities. In Falls Church, a healthy life/work balance is paramount. Join us and see why Falls Church is a great place to work.

Typical Responsibilities:

Counseling, monitoring, and supervising activities;
Ensuring and facilitating therapeutic care;
Ensuring client’s physical, medical, emotional/mental, education, social, community, and family needs are responded to in a timely and effective manner;
Responding to all medical/dental and health care needs for clients in emergency and non-emergency situations including but not limited to administering medication as directed and following protocol for prompt medical care;
Creating a safe and therapeutic environment through teaching, modeling socially adaptive behavior, and effectively/consistently implementing the program policies and procedures;
Planning and supervising recreation activities and food services including hiking, biking, and other strenuous activities;
Conducting individual and group counseling on established and as needed basis;
Counseling clients who may be frightened, hostile, rebellious and winning their confidence;
Effectively/consistently communicating verbally and in writing client behaviors/needs to staff, parents, providers;
Safe transportation of clients for appointments, emergency situations, and planned activities;
Essential Personnel status – responsible for providing direct coverage and maintenance of operations including but not limited to safety/security needs, vacancy/direct coverage needs, staff to client ratio, and weather emergencies;
Performing related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university; or Associate degree and 2 years of directly related experience; or High school diploma/GED and 3 years of directly related experience.
Possession of a valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
Ability to obtain first aid, CPR, medication disbursement, bloodborne pathogens, and physical restraint training certification;
Some knowledge of human behavior, mental health, juvenile justice, social problems, and the basic principles of human psychology;
Ability to pass a comprehensive background check;
Ability to prepare records and reports;

Preferred Qualifications:

Bilingual in Spanish
Overnight shift capability (e.g., 11:00 p.m.– 8:00 a.m.) with flexibility for weekends and holidays.

Hours: Part-time, not to exceed 19 hours per week. Work schedule consists of a variety of shifts to include early morning, midday and evening hours.

Salary Compensation & Classification:

Residential Relief Counselor I (Skill-Based Equivalency): $30.26/hour
Residential Relief Counselor II (Bachelor’s Degree): $31.77/hour (e.g., Associate degree + 2 years directly related experience, or HS diploma/GED + 3 years directly related experience)

This is a part-time, wage-only position and is not eligible for City fringe benefits.

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace: The City of Falls Church is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the federal, state and/or local laws or regulations. Accommodations may be requested for applicants with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at HRTeam@fallschurchva.gov or 703-248-5127. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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