Clubhouse Counselor II

Overview

Provide individual and group support to the members of the Clubhouse. Through assessment and development of Action Plan goals, work in partnership with Clubhouse members to improve life skills and self-determination within the established work areas of the Club, as well as in social and community activities. Clubhouse Counselor II positions provide specific expertise for and/or leadership in one or more Clubhouse work areas, including Employment/Education (EE); Communication, Art, and Social Recreation (CASR); Intake, Orientation, Outreach, and Housing (IOOH); and/or Health, Wellness, and Life Skills (HWLS).

Responsibilities

• Function as an advisor for Clubhouse members; assess, develop, and implement Action Plans with members in the work area of their choice.
• Promote a supportive and empowering services environment in which members learn to advocate for themselves, make their own choices, take risks, and assume additional responsibilities.
• Communicate and reinforce the Clubhouse culture and philosophy to the membership as well as other involved providers, community resources, and employer partners.
• Assist members in linking to other community services and resources.
• As a Clubhouse generalist, provide support to Clubhouse members in all work areas: teach, coach, facilitate and support skill development for all work area members.
• Maintain program records for members to meet the standards set forward by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health for Clubhouse Documentation.
• Attend trainings and conferences relating to performance enhancement and professional growth; participate in staff meetings, training, and supervision.
• Help upkeep physical site and help plan and participate in Clubhouse events.
• Learn, enforce, and adhere to all Clubhouse, divisional, and company policies and procedures.
• Provide coverage/assistance as needed to support Clubhouse work units, program activities both off site and on site, completion of day to day program requirements, and general upkeep and maintenance of the Clubhouse.
• Occasional weekend, evening, and holiday coverage is a requirement for all Clubhouse positions.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Additional Duties for Clubhouse Counselor II

Provide specific expertise for and/or leadership in one or more Clubhouse work areas, including Employment/Education (EE); Communication, Art and Social Recreation (CASR); Intake, Orientation, Outreach and Housing (IOOH); and/or Health, Wellness and Life Skills (HWLS).

Education Staff Duties

• Create and implement assessment tools to determine member's education needs.
• Devise and implement curriculum to meet each member's educational Action Plan goals (e.g., furthering post-secondary education, obtaining a GED, participating in training programs, improving basic educational skills).
• Use the internet for on-line courses and teaching tools.
• Provide training and supervision for program tutors.
• Conduct classes on a group basis, and tutor on an individual basis.
• Coordinate skills training and educational opportunities for members.
• Establish affiliations with colleges and universities (e.g., ESOL programs, adult literacy programs and vocational training programs).
• Promote and provide opportunities for peer leadership within the Clubhouse and in the community; assist members with pursuing certification as a Peer Specialist, if desired.

Intake, Outreach, and Housing Staff Duties

• Manage Intake, Orientation, Outreach, and Housing work area; provide guidance and supervision to area staff and members.
• Act as liaison to prospective members; arrange and perform intake procedures, conduct initial assessments.
• Ensure that the intake of prospective Clubhouse members is completed in a timely, professional manner.
• Monitor the quality and timely completion of all Action Plans; help members develop and implement their Action Plans.
• Assist supervisor with reporting Action Plan data to Department of Mental Health.
• Serve as a resource for family and friends of members, neighbors, public officials, and other providers.
• Act as a resource and reference for Clubhouse members on issues pertaining to housing and community participation.

Health, Wellness and Life Skills Staff Duties

• Consult, supervise, create, and implement new and innovative opportunities for Clubhouse members to utilize their culinary skills.
• Coordinate the planning, preparation, and presentation of nutritionally balanced meals in collaboration with members and staff of the clubhouse.
• Monitor food unit supply inventory and budget with a mindfulness towards purchasing the freshest, healthiest, and most competitively priced products.
• Provide direct training and support for Clubhouse members in the culinary arts skills area.
• Maintain culinary work unit to meet health and sanitation as defined by the ServeSafe Certification standards.

Knowledge and Skills

• Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills, as well as participatory planning techniques.
• Knowledge of Clubhouse standards and practices.
• Knowledge of Psychiatric Rehabilitation principles, values, and practices.
• Strong organizational and writing skills.
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices and documentation standards.
• Knowledge and use of different learning and communication styles.
• Knowledge of empowerment, self-advocacy, and peer support techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to provide a positive role model for work and learning.
• Knowledge of available community resources, jobs and educational opportunities.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
• Knowledge of use of reasonable accommodation law and advocacy techniques.
• Knowledge of use of crisis intervention techniques and problem solving skills.