Residential Counselor II-FSW (CHL)

I. Major Responsibilities:

1. Performs duties using recovery-oriented principles.

2. Demonstrates person centered strength-based communication and relationship with Persons.

3. Demonstrates effective communication with staff, peers and other professionals.

4. Ability to observe, document, teach and respond to mental and physical health as well as other needs of clients such as community living skills.

5. Serves as a residential counselor for specified number of residents as directed.

6. Assists in creating a safe therapeutic milieu by fostering a culture of recovery.

7. Implements treatment plans; interventions, and properly document using progress/service notes.

8. Assists with the client admission process by completing all required documentation accurately, as required.

9. Searches clients and their belongings for contraband upon admission and as required.

10. Works with clients to assist with activities of daily living (ADL's) which may include, but are not limited to, personal hygiene and self-care skills, laundry, money management and budgeting, symptom management, relapse prevention, use of public transportation, problem solving and conflict resolution, and other interventions as necessary

11. Ensures healthy menu planning, food shopping, and meal preparation through coordination and assistance. MYR is excluded from this responsibility.

12. Monitors clients' medication, refills, documentation of medications and changes, assists with attending appointments, and safe storage. MYR is excluded from this responsibility.

13. Works with clients to maintain the residence on a daily basis including chores, bedroom upkeep, yard, and other light housekeeping duties.

14. May be required to provide physical assistance, close supervision and other such duties. MYR is excluded from this responsibility.

15. Maintains and complies with regulations as applicable for DMH, HUD, BSAS and DPH such as MAP Certification, Human Rights, Dual Diagnosis, Infection Control, Vital Signs, workplace violence certification, CPR, First Aid, annual compliance training and other CHL required trainings. All certifications must be completed within five months after starting employment.

16. Assists individuals with intervention work as outlined in their treatment plans.

17. Leads skill development and/or other group(s) as assigned.

18. Redirects clients as needed in order to provide a safe atmosphere/environment.

19. Provides crisis intervention and support. Monitors client location and condition per program regulations.

20. Performs program cleaning, including laundry, clerical work, and/or organizing program supplies as assigned.

21. Notifies supervisor of any identified problem or deficiency in the program.

22. Reviews resident records, medication logs, and treatment plans for completeness and accuracy as assigned.

23. Answers telephone in a professional manner while documenting all relevant information.

Standard Staffing Level Responsibilities:

1. Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.

2. Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.

3. Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.

4. Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.

5. Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients, and visitors.

6. Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.

7. Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

All responsibilities are essential job functions.

II. Position Qualifications:

License/Certification/Education:

Required:

1. Grade C02: Residential Counselor I: Minimum of a high school diploma/GED/HiSet required.
2. Grade C04: Residential Counselor II: Requires a Bachelor's degree; preferably in the field of psychology or human services.
3. Driving Requirements:
a. For Faith House, Beryl's House, and Orchard Street: Current valid US-Issued driver's license;
b. For Adult Community Clinical Svcs (ACCS) Div: All programs require a current valid US-issued driver's license and a registered, inspected, and insured automobile for work related purposes including transporting clients in a personal vehicle [or a company vehicle.];
c. For Passages, MYR, Urgent Care, Detox, TSS, and CSS: Driving is not a requirement.
d. For CSU Leominster: Current valid US-issued driver's license and a registered, inspected, and insured automobile for work related purposes including picking up meals in a personal vehicle [or a company vehicle.].

4. Must be able to pass a CORI background check.
5. MYR, Beryl's House, Faith House, Orchard Street: Must be able to pass a CORI (Criminal Offender Background Check) and a DCF/CPS (Department of Families Adam Walsh/Child Protective Services background check).

Preferred:

1. Certification in addiction counseling or a minimum of 2 years' experience in the substance abuse field.

Experience/Skills:

Required:

1. Understanding of addiction and recovery.

2. Demonstrates person centered strength-based communication and relationship with Persons.

3. Demonstrates effective communication with staff, peers, and other professionals.

4. Ability to observe, document, teach, and respond to mental and physical health as well as other needs of clients such as community living skills.

Preferred:

1. Previous human services experience.

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description may be substituted for the above requirements.

Department-specific competencies and their measurements will be developed and maintained in the individual departments. The competencies will be maintained and attached to the departmental job description. Responsible managers will review competencies with position incumbents.

III. Physical Requirements

Work is considered medium. May need to lift up to 10 lbs. regularly and up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

Work is indoors in a patient-facing environment.

ADDENDUM FOR MYR

Major Responsibilities

1. Monitor clients that "elope" from the program.

Experience/Skills:

Required:

1. Must be able to pass a DCF/CPS (Department of Families Adam Walsh/Child Protective Services) background check.

Preferred:

N/A

ADDENDUM FOR Relief Counselor

Major Responsibilities

1. Serve as a temporary residential counselor as requested by supervisor.

Experience/Skills:

ADDENDUM FOR Flexible Substitute Worker

Major Responsibilities

1. Work covering shifts of any program.

2. Hours range from 0-40 hours per week with no regular schedule or set number of hours per week.

Provide a flexible consistent pool of employees that provide coverage when permanent employees take their leave time or when a position is temporarily vacant.

ADDENDUM FOR Awake Overnight

Major Responsibilities

1. Monitor and document medication as needed.

2. Prepare daily log entries, incident reports, and other necessary paperwork.

3. Conduct fire drills as requested and document results.

Experience/Skills:

Required:

1. Must be able to remain awake and alert during the overnight shift to provide a safe and healthy environment for our staff and co-workers.

Preferred:

1. Previous human services experience.

ADDENDUM FOR Continuum

Experience/Skills:

Required:

1. Understanding of addiction and recovery.

2. Certification in addiction counseling or a minimum of 2 years' experience in the substance abuse field is preferred.