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Juvenile counselor vs residential counselor

The differences between juvenile counselors and residential counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a juvenile counselor, becoming a residential counselor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a juvenile counselor has an average salary of $43,252, which is higher than the $34,117 average annual salary of a residential counselor.

The top three skills for a juvenile counselor include behavioral issues, rehabilitation and mental health. The most important skills for a residential counselor are direct care, medication administration, and mental health.

Juvenile counselor vs residential counselor overview

Juvenile CounselorResidential Counselor
Yearly salary$43,252$34,117
Hourly rate$20.79$16.40
Growth rate-12%
Number of jobs75,51881,287
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3941
Years of experience64

Juvenile counselor vs residential counselor salary

Juvenile counselors and residential counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Juvenile CounselorResidential Counselor
Average salary$43,252$34,117
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $60,000Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityUrban Honolulu, HISeattle, WA
Highest paying stateHawaiiWashington
Best paying companyLake CountyThe Evergreens
Best paying industryGovernmentEducation

Differences between juvenile counselor and residential counselor education

There are a few differences between a juvenile counselor and a residential counselor in terms of educational background:

Juvenile CounselorResidential Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorCriminal JusticePsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Juvenile counselor vs residential counselor demographics

Here are the differences between juvenile counselors' and residential counselors' demographics:

Juvenile CounselorResidential Counselor
Average age3941
Gender ratioMale, 47.9% Female, 52.1%Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage12%15%

Differences between juvenile counselor and residential counselor duties and responsibilities

Juvenile counselor example responsibilities.

  • Case managing, intakes, group and individual session, treatment plans, OASAS standards
  • Certify to administer adult and child CPR.
  • Remain non-denominational, open, flexible and ecumenical in service to patients while also providing additional resources from local spiritual communities.
  • Conduct new inmate orientation including serving as a PREA educator for the unit.
  • Organize and lead regular youth and college bible studies, teaching about prayer and promoting spirituality.

Residential counselor example responsibilities.

  • Lead recreational activities for adolescents with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
  • Engage, educate and empower participants to access community base resources in order to achieve greater self-determination, rehabilitation and recovery.
  • Train in AMAP, SCIP, and first aid procedures.
  • Assist residents with ADL, occasionally accompany to medical appointments, administer medications.
  • Refine an understanding of HIPAA and DMH programs.
  • Assist special needs students to reach their IEP and treatment plan goals in 1:1 and group settings.
  • Show more

Juvenile counselor vs residential counselor skills

Common juvenile counselor skills
  • Behavioral Issues, 14%
  • Rehabilitation, 12%
  • Mental Health, 11%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Substance Abuse, 6%
  • Direct Care, 6%
Common residential counselor skills
  • Direct Care, 9%
  • Medication Administration, 9%
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • Developmental Disabilities, 6%
  • Mental Illness, 6%

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