House Counselor

Responsibilities

• Supervises and monitors the therapeutic environment to ensure that behavioral guidelines are followed, a therapeutic milieu is maintained and interpersonal relationships remain positive.
• Manages daily program schedule of activities. Ensures that events occur and all parties scheduled to participate in particular activities do so.
• Supervises and monitors the facility to ensure cleanliness, security, and safety practices are enacted.
• Conducts mandated fire drills/evacuations as needed.
• Administers breathalyzer tests and/or observation of urine or oral specimen collection from clients returning from appointments or other external activities as needed.
• Assumes responsibility for medication management including checking-in of medication and direct observation of clients during medication pass for adherence to their prescribed medication regime.
• Conducts facility/safety runs and room checks to visually assess clients for use of alcohol/drugs or the environment of care for unsafe conditions.
• Conducts physical searches of clients as outlined by policy, including servicing bags, clothing, and the person. Searches may include the use of handheld metal detectors.
• Under the direction of management staff, conduct a search of rooms and personal property to ensure the safety of the environment.
• Reviews internal and external scheduled client appointments for assigned shifts and ensures that trips are dispatched promptly.
• Dispatches vehicles, assuring that required agency paperwork is complete and accurate. Distributes carfare for external appointments.
• Review the selection of appointment escorts for appropriateness.
• Congnrols daily client reporting of attendance in accordance with DSS/HRA protocols and compliance with agency policy.
• Complies with 42 CFR confidentiality and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
• In the absence of the Food Service Staff monitor the kitchen and food preparations to ensure compliance with the Board of Health.

Qualifications

• Within 90 days from the date of hire, must achieve FDNY certification as one of the following: (1) Fire Drill Conductor, (2) Fire Guard, or (3) Fire Safety Coordinator for Downstate Residential locations.
• Willingness to obtain CPR certification within 90 days from the date of hire.
• High School diploma or Equivalent.
• Some work experience either paid employment or internship or expressed interest in working with substance use or mental health population or lived experience.
• Computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and EHR.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.