Lead Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

About the role

The ACCS Lead Residential Counselor provides direct service to adults with mental health conditions in a GLE/SIE residential setting. The counselor helps individuals overcome barriers to, and prepare for, living independently by implementing Treatment Plan support interventions as coached and supported by the Team LPHA Clinician. Additionally, the counselor assumes administrative officer roles to support the Program Director and liaises with families, supports individuals in obtaining medical and psychiatric care, administers medications following Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies, provides crisis interventions, and ensures a safe and clean environment.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Program Director in orienting new residents to the residence.
• Collaborates with Integrated Team members to address the needs of individuals served (PS).
• Implements PS Treatment Plan interventions as coached and supported by the Team LPHA Clinician.
• Performs day-to-day assignments as directed by the Program Director.
• Uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches with PS.
• Adheres to safety, maintenance, Human Rights, and other operational policies and procedures.
• Assumes roles such as Medication Officer, Safety Officer, or Human Rights Officer as assigned by the Program Director.
• Schedules and facilitates weekly group meetings for PS, including menu input.
• Performs primary grocery shopping weekly or as needed for the residence.
• Complies with physical site licensing standards and regulations.
• Stores, administers, documents, and disposes of PS medication consistent with MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy.
• Ensures program compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols and teaches PS medication management.
• Creates opportunities for PS to participate in the smooth operation of the residence, including meal preparation and physical site maintenance.
• Encourages social interaction between residents and fosters a collaborative environment where PS, family, friends, and others are welcome and valued.
• Helps PS prepare meals and acts as an advocate for them.
• Participates in trainings, attends supervision and staff meetings as requested, and completes all required documentation.
• Contributes to the program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.
• Helps PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary and accesses on-call backup as needed.
• Supports the provision of evidence-based practices and best practices to PS, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Completes Infection Control Inventory for the residence and assists with organization of surveillance testing of staff and PS as needed.
• Completes incident documentation as needed and performs physical site maintenance activities following the maintenance schedule.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an Associate's degree in a human service discipline is preferred.
• One year of experience as a residential counselor in a setting working with individuals facing mental health challenges is preferred.
• One to two years of job-specific experience in the human services field is preferred.
• Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and have a current, valid US driver's license for at least 6 months.
• Must become CPR and First Aid certified within 2 weeks of employment and MAP certified within 150 days of employment.
• Must successfully pass a CORI, reference, multi-state background, and driving record check.

Skills

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb; this is a 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 such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• 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 bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.
• 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.

Benefits

• Fully funded, employer-sponsored retirement plan with no employee contribution required, plus an employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• First-rate Medical, Dental, and Vision plans open to employees scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more, with a generous employer contribution toward medical insurance.
• Employer-paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurance (no cost to you).
• Employer-paid Short-Term Disability Insurance, with the option to purchase additional, voluntary Short-Term disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (Health and Dependent care).
• Voluntary Term, Whole Life, Accident, and Critical Care Insurance.
• Generous paid time off for employees scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week:
  • 15 days of Vacation per year
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • 10 Sick Days per year
  • 3 Personal Days per year
• Educational Assistance and Remission Programs.
• $500 Employee Referral Bonus with no annual cap.
• Other benefits including discounted YMCA memberships and access to discounted movie tickets.

Pay

USD $24.60 per hour.

Schedule

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, which is subject to annual checks. Employees must be scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week to qualify for benefits.