On Call Residential Counselor, Youth Recovery

About the role

At Jefferson Center, we are passionate about building a community where mental health matters and equitable care is accessible to all races, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, cultures, and languages. The Residential Counselor provides milieu management, psychoeducation groups, and ensures the safety of youth (ages 13 through 18.5) in a substance use residential and inpatient program in Lakewood, Colorado. This is a back-up position to pick up shifts as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provides milieu management, guidance, safety, stability, and direction to clients in early recovery from a trauma-informed lens.
• Maintains acceptable attendance and punctuality.
• Interacts with client population to provide guidance, safety, stability, and direction, including de-escalating potentially dangerous situations.
• Performs accurate and timely documentation, including but not limited to admissions, shift notes, Per Diem notes, discharges, inventories, screening of clients’ personal belongings, individual and group sessions, Medication Occurrences (MOR), and Adverse Incident Reports (AIR).
• Monitors and documents client’s vital signs, physical condition, and behavior; administers blood pressure assessments when Nurse is not available.
• Assists with planning, conducting, and supervising patient activities, including community meetings, groups, external meetings on-site, family/friend visitation, recreational activities, and life skills.
• Monitors Breath Alcohol (BA) tests as needed and documents appropriately.
• Administers medications to clients per QMAP standards.
• Assists in conducting Random Urine Drug Testing.
• Facilitates or co-facilitates psychoeducation groups.
• Assists team in coordinating treatment referrals for clients motivated to seek ongoing treatment following discharge.
• Assigns and monitors clients completing residential unit chores, including main areas, hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
• Collaborates with kitchen staff regarding meals and snacks.
• Practices OSHA safety standards and disposes of biohazard waste according to OSHA standards.
• May assist in transporting admitted clients to hospitals, aftercare, or other approved services; may be exposed to adverse weather conditions during loading and unloading passengers.
• Effectively responds to client needs and problems, initiates and maintains positive interactions, and ensures timely response to phone calls, emails, and other requests.
• Adheres to all Jefferson Center Policies and Procedures.
• Ensures Adverse Incident Reporting (AIR) procedures are followed during shift.
• Attends mandatory in-services, staff meetings, clinical supervision, and online training as required.
• Participates in supervision by coming prepared with an agenda, reporting high-risk/problem cases, and providing feedback.
• Promotes a positive, supportive, cooperative team environment.
• Understands how trauma impacts the lives of those served, ensuring interactions reduce the possibility of re-traumatization.
• Participates in training/educational programs on Trauma Informed Care, the impact of trauma, and trauma recovery.
• Ensures delivery practices are guided by the principles of trauma-informed care and addiction treatment.
• Maintains effective interpersonal relations with consumers, peers, subordinates, upper management, visitors, and the public; uses language and behavior to promote dignity and respect.
• Exhibits enthusiasm, respect, adaptability, flexibility, and a spirit of cooperation in the work environment.
• Must be sensitive to the diverse cultural and situational needs of patients.
• Willing to cover another shift or team as requested by Program Manager/Program Coordinator.

Requirements

• High School/GED plus one year of related experience required.
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• One year of work experience in behavioral health required.
• Experience in substance abuse treatment and experience with youth is highly preferred.
• Applicants hired without SUD certification must obtain CAT or CAS within 18 months of hire; applicants with pre-existing addiction certification preferred.
• QMAP Certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire (provided internally).
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Pay

Pool Rates: $26/hr - $36/hr, depending on education level and shift worked.