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Lead counselor vs residence counselor

The differences between lead counselors and residence counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead counselor has an average salary of $178,478, which is higher than the $34,931 average annual salary of a residence counselor.

The top three skills for a lead counselor include legal advice, litigation and work ethic. The most important skills for a residence counselor are developmental disabilities, CPR, and community resources.

Lead counselor vs residence counselor overview

Lead CounselorResidence Counselor
Yearly salary$178,478$34,931
Hourly rate$85.81$16.79
Growth rate10%36%
Number of jobs74,24778,872
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age4241
Years of experience-4

What does a lead counselor do?

A Lead Counselor is responsible for the management of patients' mental health and rehabilitation services. Often, they help them to recover from a tragic or traumatic kind of situation. They also help the patient cope with family and job-related stress and other personal issues. They teach other staff and especially clients to educate them in dealing with stress management and eventually monitor their progress. This person should also have strong written and verbal communication skills.

What does a residence counselor do?

Residence counselors are professionals who are responsible for providing services such as one-to-one therapy and crisis support to clients who are living in group homes or assisted-living facilities. These counselors must assist adults with moderate intellectual disabilities to find employment while monitoring their work performance. They must facilitate and supervise daily personal care and activities for developmentally disabled adults. Residence counselors must also encourage clients to participate in community activities that can contribute to the development of skills necessary for independent living.

Lead counselor vs residence counselor salary

Lead counselors and residence counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead CounselorResidence Counselor
Average salary$178,478$34,931
Salary rangeBetween $100,000 And $315,000Between $28,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CAPhoenix, AZ
Highest paying stateNew JerseyWashington
Best paying companyMDIMcLean Hospital
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between lead counselor and residence counselor education

There are a few differences between a lead counselor and a residence counselor in terms of educational background:

Lead CounselorResidence Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Lead counselor vs residence counselor demographics

Here are the differences between lead counselors' and residence counselors' demographics:

Lead CounselorResidence Counselor
Average age4241
Gender ratioMale, 41.6% Female, 58.4%Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%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 Percentage11%15%

Differences between lead counselor and residence counselor duties and responsibilities

Lead counselor example responsibilities.

  • Monitor children at the pool, CPR certify.
  • assist with reading writing mathematics social skills and everyday living skills.
  • Maintain safety and ensure well being of children daily by implementing discipline procedures and using CPR training when necessary.
  • Dispense medication and coordinate supervision of patients abusing behavior altering drugs.
  • Implement a research-base treatment program for children with ADHD and other behavioraldeficiencies.
  • Work towards empowering juveniles and their families to support a positive lifestyle by providing strength base intensive intervention and rehabilitation services.
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Residence counselor example responsibilities.

  • Lead recreational activities for adolescents with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
  • Provide direct care, behavior management techniques, medication administration and CPR.
  • Design and supervise day to day activities for patients and construct a social program that provide opportunities for social rehabilitation.
  • Provide first aid and CPR, and minor medical assistance to residents.
  • Ensure medication compliance, maintain accurate medication logs, and assist in the development of ADL skills.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and patients' progress in resolving identify problems and moving towards define objectives.
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Lead counselor vs residence counselor skills

Common lead counselor skills
  • Legal Advice, 16%
  • Litigation, 14%
  • Work Ethic, 8%
  • Substance Abuse, 8%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Group Therapy, 6%
Common residence counselor skills
  • Developmental Disabilities, 17%
  • CPR, 12%
  • Community Resources, 8%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Mental Illness, 6%
  • Medication Administration, 5%

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