YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COUNSELOR - LSW/LAC needed
Listed compensation
$48,727.95
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
If you are looking to make an impact by helping others, then Preferred Behavioral Health Group is the place for you! By joining our award-winning team, you will become part of the premier behavioral health organization in New Jersey.
PBHG is a dynamic and innovative non-profit organization that was proudly named one of "THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN NEW JERSEY" for 2024 by NJBIZ! Our mission is to change lives and save lives across the state of New Jersey through a Trauma Informed Care culture.
Our staff is at the core of everything we do. We are dedicated to building a diverse team where employees feel a sense of belonging and are valued for their individual contributions. We encourage staff development and embrace a growth mindset. If you are interested in pursuing an exciting and rewarding career while being part of a recognized “Best Place to Work”, please submit your resume today for consideration!
Job Title: Youth Development Counselor - LSW / LAC REQUIRED
Program: School Based- Brick Township Middle School
Location: Veterans Memorial Middle School - 105 Hendrickson Ave, Brick Township, NJ 08724
Position Type: Full Time
Salary: $48,727.95
Job Description/Summary
The Youth Development Counselor will receive referrals and conduct individual, group, and family counseling using modalities that are evidence-based and consistent with adolescent stages of development.
Develop treatment plans that will be student-driven and address social, emotional, and behavioral needs as well as other high-risk behaviors. Consult with school staff regarding mental health awareness of students, as well as offering in-class prevention presentations to students and staff.
Responsibilities
- Provide individual, group, and family counseling
- Engage will other counselors and school staff to consult and collaborate on treatment plans and programming
- Provides timely and effective advocacy, consultation, services coordination, evaluation, written reports and phone contact to community resources and related professionals as required by SBYP standards and client needs.
- Facilitate evidenced-based programming and groups/clubs
- Keeps efficient and up-to-date clinical documentation
Competencies
- Proficiently develops treatment plans and monitors clinical progress
- Collaboratively works with other staff and builds professional relationships
- Exhibits strength in counseling skills and crisis intervention
- Demonstrates empathy and compassion
- Proficiently communicates- written and verbal
Qualifications
- Education MA or MS from accredited institution in mental health related field (i. e. clinical mental health counseling, social work, etc.)
- Licensure LSW / LAC
- Driver's License in good standing
Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Medical and Dental Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Disability and Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Benefits, such as Vision Insurance, Aflac, Pet Insurance
- Training opportunities
- Employee Referral Bonus program
EOE
Qualifications
- Education
- Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Social Work — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Social Work listings this role was benchmarked against, 66% are remote, 30% have no call, 62% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for New Jersey is 108.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$49k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $45k in an average-cost state. 63.8% of New Jersey clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | $49k | Social Work median $75k (middle half $75k–$78k)10 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$45k in purchasing power | New Jersey index 108.8 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Social Work listings in New Jersey | 18 active | 379 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 66% remote · 30% no call · 62% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Social Work pay trend | +4.4% vs prior quarter | —through Sep 2026 |
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