Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Overview

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

Responsibilities

• Help orient PS who are new to the residence.
• Implement PS Treatment Plan interventions as directed by the Clinical Program Director.
• Perform day-to-day assignments as directed by the Clinical 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 Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements, funding source regulations and company policy.
• Assist and/or accompany PS in attending regular medical and psychiatric appointments.
• Create opportunities for PS to participate in the smooth operation of the residence, including meal preparation and physical site maintenance.
• Encourage social interaction between residents and help create a collaborative environment.
• Help PS prepare meals.
• Act as an advocate for PS.
• Promote healthcare and employment services access for PS.
• Support the provision of evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Seeking Safety and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Participate in trainings; attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
• Assist with the orientation of new staff.
• Complete all required documentation.
• Contribute to program's quality improvement goals and objectives.
• Help PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary.
• Complete incident documentation as needed.
• Perform physical site maintenance activities following maintenance schedule.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required; Associate's degree in a human service discipline preferred.
• One to two years of job-specific experience in human services field preferred.
• Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport Person Served.
• Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions.
• All candidates must be at least 21 years of age and be able to pass a CORI, driving record, reference, educational and professional licensure check as well as a multi-state background check.
• All applicants must be able to become CPR, First Aid certified within 2 weeks of employment and MAP certified within 150 days of employment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of PS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the resources and supports needed in their community of choice.
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with PS, families and neighbors.
• Sensitivity to the 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 as well as maintain a safe driving record which is 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, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of 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 required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.