Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Overview

As an ACCS Residential Counselor, you will provide direct support to people with psychiatric conditions in a residential Group Living Environment designed to foster independence. You will work together with the people we serve, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to transform their lives by building independence skills or increasing each person's quality of life.

Duties include administering medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAP) and assisting people with activities of daily living, such as household chores and cooking. You will work alongside the Clinical Program Director to implement recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent and strengths-based treatment plans.

Responsibilities

• Help orient people served (PS) who are new to the residence
• Collaborate with Integrated Team members to address needs of PS and implement treatment plan interventions as directed by the Team LPHA Clinician
• Perform day-to-day assignments as directed by the Program Director
• Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent and strengths-based approaches with PS
• Adhere to safety, maintenance, Human Rights and other operational policies and procedures
• Comply with physical site licensing standards and regulations
• Store, administer, document and dispose of PS medication consistent with MAP requirements and company policy; teach PS medication management
• Create opportunities for PS to participate in the operation of the residence, including meal preparation and physical site maintenance
• Encourage social interaction among residents and create a collaborative environment welcoming family, friends, and others important in the lives of PS
• Help PS prepare meals
• Act as an advocate for PS
• Participate in trainings and attend supervision and staff meetings
• Assist with orientation of new staff
• Complete all required documentation
• Contribute to program quality improvement goals and objectives
• Help PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary and access on-call backup
• Support evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, WRAP, Seeking Safety and Cognitive Behavioral interventions
• Complete incident documentation as needed
• Perform physical site maintenance activities following maintenance schedule
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Associate's degree in a human services discipline preferred
• Prior experience working in a human services setting strongly preferred
• Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions
• Must be at least 21 years of age and have held a valid US driver's license for at least 6 months
• Must be able to pass a CORI, driving record, employment reference check and multi-state background check
• Must be able to become CPR and First Aid certified within two weeks of hire and MAP certified within 150 days of hire

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of PS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive needed resources and supports in their community of choice
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with PS, families and neighbors
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability and gender issues
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment

Driving Requirements

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.