Senior Residential Counselor

About the Role

The Senior Residential Counselor assists the Program Director in all aspects of residential operations to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements, PCMH policies, and procedures. Key responsibilities include quality case management, maintaining comprehensive case records, supervising direct care staff, and crisis response.

Responsibilities

• Ensures residents follow appropriate psychiatric and medical plans; approves individual service plans as needed.
• Integrates services of the Health Care Coordinator with other program and case management services.
• Maintains case records in accordance with regulatory requirements; reviews and signs off on individual case records.
• Provides counseling to residents as required.
• Maintains a resident caseload as needed.
• Assists in scheduling and planning recreational and social activities.
• Facilitates groups in the residence.
• Manages crises within the residence and intervenes to minimize risk of harm to residents, staff, or property; notifies supervisors and documents incidents.
• Orders, supervises, and counts medication in accordance with Licensed Housing Medication Policy and Procedures, where applicable.
• Prepares written correspondence and notifications on resident-related issues.
• Escorts clients in the community to medical, benefit, or other pertinent appointments.
• Maintains facility safety and security; monitors video surveillance, conducts hourly walk-throughs, and ensures resident well-being.
• Documents significant building activities and events in the Communication Logbook.
• Performs light maintenance and housekeeping tasks (e.g., garbage disposal, spills, snow shoveling).
• Conducts monthly fire drills.
• Conducts apartment inspections and supports clients with daily living skills.
• Participates in residential staff meetings.
• Remains on-site until relief staff arrive.
• Provides supervision and directives to Residential Counselors and Front Desk Counselors as needed.
• Conducts internal audits of clinical case records and program documentation to ensure compliance with city, state, and federal regulations.
• Monitors compliance with safety and health code requirements.
• Maintains productive working relationships with provider groups and referral sources.
• Adheres to personnel and residential policies outlined in PCMH manuals.
• Participates in special projects assigned by senior management.
• Performs other duties consistent with program goals as assigned by the Program Director, Regional Director, or agency administration.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a Mental Health discipline or related field with 3 years of related experience preferred. A High School Diploma with at least 5 years of related experience in a residential setting may be considered.
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and publishing software.

Skills and Qualifications

Knowledge

• Microsoft Office
• Foothold AWARDS
• LIHTC Compliance (where applicable)
• TMS Maven (where applicable)
• CPR/First Aid
• NYS OMH Licensed Housing Regulations, NYS OMH Supported Housing Guidelines, and/or NYC DOHMH OPRE Standards

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and system tracking skills
• Excellent judgment and proactive problem-solving
• Critical and strategic thinking
• Time management and risk minimization
• Ability to engage resident population and respond to crises
• Flexibility, creativity, and initiative
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and shift between responsibilities
• Ability to teach, train, and supervise others in mental health case management
• Conflict resolution and teamwork