Residential Counselor - 2001712

Summary: The Residential Counselor is responsible for the implementation of the Community Residence or Permanent Housing Program by helping residents learn community life skills appropriate to their needs as recorded in their comprehensive service plan so that they may grow toward more independent lives. Major areas of responsibility include good customer service, providing and documenting services, and exercising good judgement in managing crises.Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Provide case management services to all assigned residentsImplement individual service plans to assist residents in attaining rehabilitation goalsOffer instruction and service delivery in any of 11 different service categories through role modeling, guidance, training, assistance and support. Work with residents to attain skills of daily living, i.e. grooming, dressing, meal planning and preparation, taking medication, shopping, traveling, budgeting, maintaining health care, and engaging in social and recreational skillsDocument all services and interactions in residents' case records and maintain the entire record by completing all required and associated documentationEngage residents in regular discussions around their individual short and long-term goals and an evaluation of the services they receiveProvide ongoing counseling support to residents as neededDraft the resident's comprehensive service plan, providing information regarding the resident. Facilitate the formal involvement of the resident in discussing the service plan. Present descriptive material in meetings or conferences relative to the recent functioning of the residentAct as liaison for all other services needed by the resident and specified in the comprehensive service plan, which includes scheduling, follow up, collaboration, referral or any other process necessitated by the client's service plan. Services include, but are not limited to, medical, psychiatric, dental, entitlement benefits, day programs, pharmaceutical, travel, emergency, financial, and legalManage incidents and intervene appropriately to minimize risk of potential harm to all. Notify the program's Manager and document events in the appropriate formsIntegrate care of residents with other agency staff as well as with other service providersAttend all meetings as required by the Program, BOH Division, or as instructed by CCCSHelp with the maintenance of the environment consistent with the program's design and residents' needsWhere applicable, supervise medication distribution to residents and track such with shift and weekly countsWhere applicable, prepare meals for residents, by setting up, cooking, and cleaning up suchEscort clients into the community for medical, benefits, or other relevant appointmentsConduct bedroom and/or apartment inspections consistent with the program's requirementsDocument significant building activities and/or information in the Communication LogbookEnsure all building visitors provide identification and sign in the Visitor LogAssist with conducting monthly fire drillsAssist in planning and carrying out recreational activities with residentsFollow all regulations and/or program guidelines outlined by the New York State Office of Mental HealthAdhere to personnel and residential policies and procedures as outlined in the CCCS Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and BOH Policies and Procedures Manual, respectivelyPerform other duties, consistent with the goals and objectives of the program, as assigned by the Program Manager and/or Administration Location: 3069 Villa Avenue, Bronx, NY Salary: $21.50 - $23.00 Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position. Must be able to work flexible/shift schedule and be available for emergencies. Working conditions and physical demands required: The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ambulate, remain in a stationary position, occasionally carry and move 10 pounds, ascend/descend stairs, place items above and below the head, and continually reposition during working hoursExposure to routine cleaning products and household chemicalsTravel locally using public transportation, Traverse City streets, and be exposed to outside weather conditions while escorting clientsAssist clients in daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning, packing, laundering, etc. requiring moving, transporting, positioning, using cooking utensils, and/or positioning objectsWork with clients who require consistent and comprehensive supportWork under potentially stressful conditionsSpeaking and hearing sufficient to communicate effectively by phone or in person at normal volumesVision adequate to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etcRemain in a stationary position at a work station and use a computer approximately 20% of the timeAbility to sit and/or stand for long periods of timeGood manual dexterity to operate computers Qualifications Education and/or experience required: High School DiplomaExperience relevant to helping individuals with serious mental illness or similar population Skills, Licenses, and/or competencies required: Good judgmentStrong customer services skillsAbility to effectively manage timeAbility to keep program's Manager well-informedAbility to learn CPR/First Aid and maintain certificationAbility to work cooperatively and patiently with othersAbility to work well independently and as part of a teamWilling to work flexible hours and be available for emergencies as neededAbility to remain calm and focused on emergency situations