Resid Counselor (26041)

About the role

As a Residential Youth Counselor, you will provide daily therapeutic care and programming according to agency policy and governing bodies' (DSS, OMH, JCAHO, etc.) requirements for elementary aged children. You will work on-site on our Albany campus and will report to the Residential Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Provide for the physical and psychological needs of clients, including physical safety, hygiene, clothing, food, cooking, medical care, and providing a reliable and nurturing environment.
• Follow an individual youth’s 1:1 expectations plan, ICMP, and any safety plans in place.
• Engage the youth in age‑appropriate activities and conversation at the appropriate developmental level.
• Document in writing a summary of each shift.
• Learn the history and specific issues associated with the youth who requires 1:1 care and learn how to safely manage any crisis.
• Seek and obtain training in any particular area specific to the youth who requires 1:1 care.
• Transport 1:1 client for medical, mental health, and other essential needs.
• Work within a trauma‑informed framework, including identifying and using coping/safety plans, maintaining consistency, providing regular routine, and controlling your own response to youth.
• Engage and form positive relationships with all youth served.
• Complete all mandatory trainings according to programmatic guidelines.
• Display basic competency in TCI techniques.
• Follow outlined program routines, therapeutic plans of youth, and program rules and protocols.
• Work as part of a team including colleague residential counselors, clinicians, on‑line on‑call, supervisors, and other administrative and functional support staff.
• Maintain respectful and appropriate communication with internal and external customers, including county workers, medical staff, parents, etc.
• Complete and maintain documentation to meet programmatic and regulatory standards.
• Transport clients for medical, mental health, and other essential needs.
• Facilitate groups/coached visitation, understanding and applying curriculum and appropriate practice models (e.g., DBT, SAY).
• Take on specific leadership responsibilities for dorm/cottage, including coordinating activities and participating in program‑wide committees.
• Have the ability, skill, and knowledge to take a lead role in a team.
• Form positive relationships with more challenging youth and families.
• Display critical thinking and problem‑solving skills related to residential program needs.
• Display good judgment and decision making related to all program routines, therapeutic plans of youth, and program rules and protocols.
• Lead, delegate, and plan work for other team members.

Requirements

• Must be 20 years or older.
• HS Diploma/GED required.
• Experience working with emotionally disturbed population.
• A valid, clean driver's license is required.
• Must pass physical.
• Must be able to complete TCI training.
• Experience with emotionally disturbed population is preferred (RC 1).
• At least six months of related experience is required with demonstrated competency in Level 1 essential job duties; one year of related experience is desired (RC 2).