Residential Senior Counselor

About the Role

The Senior Counselor is a leadership position within the Community Residence, partnering with the Residential Program Manager, Senior Counselors, Social Worker, Case Manager, and Nurse. The co-leadership team is responsible for the oversight of the health, wellness, and care of youth in the program. Knowledge of childhood trauma and its impacts is paramount. The Senior Counselor ensures quality childcare services are delivered within the residential group care facility according to agency policy and all applicable state, federal, and OMH regulations. This includes the development of childcare staff and ensuring continuity and quality of service to residents.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall oversight to the residential program and supervision of staff in the care of youth in accordance with Glove House, state, and regulatory requirements.
• Uphold organizational values and trauma-informed practices in all interactions, treating children, families, staff, and providers with respect and cultural sensitivity.
• Ensure compliance with Glove House policies, OMH, federal, and state regulations, as well as professional and ethical standards.
• Engage in daily interaction with staff and clients to ensure services align with the Glove House operating modality (TCI), treatment plans, and scheduled activities.
• Provide counseling and support in crisis situations, including post-crisis response.
• Deliver individualized care and supervision for each resident, modeling positive behaviors and core values.
• Assess, instruct, and measure daily and independent living skills.
• Participate in service planning and review processes.
• Accompany, supervise, and provide transportation for appointments, home visits, sibling visits, and activities.
• Ensure adherence to medication regimens.
• Report incidents, occurrences, or untoward events promptly and complete required agency paperwork.
• Supervise and coach Residential Counselors, ensuring all shift documentation is completed adequately and on time.
• Conduct monthly fire drills, complete related paperwork, and ensure residents are aware of fire escape routes and staging plans.
• Complete administrative tasks, assist in scheduling adequate staff coverage, and assume Residential Counselor responsibilities when necessary.
• Maintain client records and program documentation, including daily activities, treatment plan progress, progress notes, and termination summaries.
• Attend and provide leadership during staff meetings, and participate in strategic planning, risk management, and Quality Assurance initiatives.
• Assist in researching and developing best practices and new initiatives to meet the evolving needs of children and families.
• Maintain compliance with Glove House standards, including physical/TB tests, driver’s license, and auto insurance.
• Contribute to the training of Community Residence staff and participate in agency-wide training.
• Safely travel for agency business, maintain accurate mileage documentation, and submit it in required timeframes.
• Attend mandated agency and department meetings, and participate in standing agency and community committees as assigned.
• Represent Glove House at state and local forums, developing collaborative relationships with community stakeholders.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Residential Program Manager.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field preferred; unrelated bachelor’s degree required.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record in accordance with agency standards.
• 2+ years of direct experience working with children and families in residential care, counseling, or group care; supervisory/management experience preferred.

Skills

• Handle confidential information appropriately.
• Perform at a high level of autonomy with minimal supervision.
• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedural manuals.
• Write routine reports and correspondence.
• Utilize computers and standard Microsoft Office applications, and learn new software (e.g., Myevolve, Paycom).
• Manage multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail, accuracy, and quality.
• Commit to providing high levels of customer satisfaction with positive service delivery results.
• Interact effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Set appropriate limits and boundaries with clients; act decisively to protect clients when necessary.
• Assess and apply proper intervention strategies.
• Complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Identify and understand environmental stressors.
• Recognize the importance of social, economic, and environmental factors in the development and resolution of personal/family problems.

Schedule

The incumbent will work a standard scheduled week, typically including later afternoon and evening hours. Flexible hours may include weekends, evenings, and holidays. The ability to work flexible hours and provide on-call support when scheduled or needed is required. Travel may be necessary for Glove House business-related activities. Generally, duties require 100% on-site work (0% eligible for remote work).