Senior Residential Counselor - Department of Family and Children Services

Description

The position involves assisting in the coordination and direction of residential facility activities, providing lead direction and assignment coordination for residential facility staff, and guiding youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs.

About the role

This role requires a Master’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education, Social Work, Child Development, or related field, with three years of full-time experience providing guidance, assistance, supervision, and direction to youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs at a residential facility. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in these fields combined with five years of full-time experience is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Provides lead direction, training, and work review to the Residential Counselors in assigned shift ensuring appropriate care and supervision is provided to children in accordance with applicable law, licensing regulations, and facility policies;
• Maintains a supportive and therapeutic environment for youth, providing technical guidance and leadership regarding the residential program;
• Develops and implements individual care plans for youth, assessing and evaluating their emotional, behavioral, and social functioning;
• Coordinates recreational activities and leads group therapy sessions to support youth’s emotional well-being and behavior management;
• Supports youth in addressing substance use needs through counseling and psychoeducation, while promoting problem-solving skills and relapse prevention;
• Collaborates with program staff to ensure youth achieve their treatment, educational, and vocational goals;
• Collaborates with external providers to support transitions and service alignment;
• Prepares necessary documentation and oversees the routine maintenance of the residential facilities;
• Taught daily living and independent living skills to youth;
• Administers first aid and dispenses prescribed medication;
• Supervises and teaches personal hygiene;
• Intervenes in crisis situations using de-escalation techniques;
• Transports youth to and from appointments, school, activities, and events;
• Participates in and leads meetings and in-service training;
• Assists with administrative tasks such as scheduling, record keeping, and communication;
• May work as the assigned on-duty supervisor or Residential Manager, when assigned;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required.

Requirements

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work;
• Ability to drive and possess a valid California driver’s license;
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification;
• Possession of relevant provider credentials;
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of staff leadership and training;
• Understanding of child and adolescent development, stages, and behavior;
• Principles and practices of care and support for youth with emotional and behavioral health needs;
• Group dynamics and common safety practices;
• Individual and group counseling techniques, with an emphasis on strength-based approaches;
• Substance use indicators, relapse prevention strategies, and approaches to supporting youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs;
• Growth and hygiene needs of children and adolescents;
• Emotional and behavioral responses to separation, trauma, and grief;
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Computer systems and applications.

Special Requirements

• Licenses and certifications as required by licensing and County policies;
• Live Scan and other background clearances as required by licensing and County policies;
• Ability to work flexible and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays;
• Physical requirements including bending, stretching, twisting, reaching, carrying up to fifteen pounds, restraining children or youth for safety and protection.