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Residential Advisor

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AVG. SALARY

$45,030

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EDUCATION

High school preferred +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Human Services cluster Personal Care Services pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school preferred, plus short term, on-the-job training

Residential advisors need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent and receive some form of on-the-job training.

Insider Info

Additional Information

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, human service workers are often required to complete a college certification course in human service work or a related field. Those with bachelor's degrees are more likely to advance into more senior positions.

Human service worker programs (under various names) are available in colleges and universities across the U.S. The Council of Standards for Human Service Educators (CSHSE) provides voluntary accreditation to schools that meet the criteria.

Residential counselors in Canada and the U.S. are often required to have a first aid certificate and, in some cases, a valid driver's license. A criminal record search is often a condition of employment. Employers must ensure that their workers do not have convictions for sexual or physical assault.

There is often room for advancement, according to residential counselor Keith Baldwin. "You can move upwards into a management position, or you can move into a related field." Baldwin's long-term career goal is to become a parole officer.

"Yes, residential counselors can often advance upwards," says counselor Brian Sample. "I started as a residential counselor, then I was promoted to lead counselor. Now I am house coordinator."

Residential counselors must be punctual, reliable and have good integrity. Equally important, they must be caring, compassionate people who enjoy helping others. "You will not become a millionaire," says Sample. "But there are many other rewards. There is meaning and fulfillment in this work."

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support