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Youth advocate vs residence counselor

The differences between youth advocates and residence counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a youth advocate and a residence counselor. Additionally, a residence counselor has an average salary of $34,931, which is higher than the $33,924 average annual salary of a youth advocate.

The top three skills for a youth advocate include mental health, social work and foster care. The most important skills for a residence counselor are developmental disabilities, CPR, and community resources.

Youth advocate vs residence counselor overview

Youth AdvocateResidence Counselor
Yearly salary$33,924$34,931
Hourly rate$16.31$16.79
Growth rate9%36%
Number of jobs78,43778,872
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age4241
Years of experience44

What does a youth advocate do?

Youth advocates are individuals who responsible for maintaining the human rights of youth while assisting them in developing their skills in all areas of life, such as education, health, employment, and relationships. These advocates are required to discuss youth development and involvement with various leaders in the community. They must provide crisis interventions by performing one-on-one and group meetings with young adults. Youth advocates must also work with mental health professionals within the community so that they can guide teenagers with drug or alcohol problems and mental health issues.

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.

Youth advocate vs residence counselor salary

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

Youth AdvocateResidence Counselor
Average salary$33,924$34,931
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $41,000Between $28,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CitySyracuse, NYPhoenix, AZ
Highest paying stateNew JerseyWashington
Best paying companyFirst Place for YouthMcLean Hospital
Best paying industryAutomotiveEducation

Differences between youth advocate and residence counselor education

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

Youth AdvocateResidence Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Youth advocate vs residence counselor demographics

Here are the differences between youth advocates' and residence counselors' demographics:

Youth AdvocateResidence Counselor
Average age4241
Gender ratioMale, 38.6% Female, 61.4%Male, 34.5% Female, 65.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%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 Percentage10%15%

Differences between youth advocate and residence counselor duties and responsibilities

Youth advocate example responsibilities.

  • Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation or equivalent compliance.
  • Assist patients in securing medical coverage by screening refer patients and coordinating the application process through successful approval.
  • Retain proper certifications for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, first aid, driver's license and insurance.

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.
  • Show more

Youth advocate vs residence counselor skills

Common youth advocate skills
  • Mental Health, 10%
  • Social Work, 9%
  • Foster Care, 8%
  • Community Resources, 7%
  • Youth Development, 7%
  • Crisis Intervention, 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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