Assistant Counselor/Direct Care Support

Regional Economic Community Action Program Inc; Gardnertown (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Economic Community Action Program Inc is seeking a Direct Care Staff member to supervise residents in a residential reintegration program. The role focuses on safety, support, treatment adherence, and a recovery-oriented culture within a collaborative team.

Responsibilities include monitoring behavior, assisting with daily living activities, and coordinating with clinicians. The position emphasizes confidentiality, professionalism, and adherence to program policies and ADA compliance.

Qualifications

• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and model positive behavior
• Reliable, compassionate, and patient under pressure
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and support to residents per program policies and goals
• Monitor resident behavior; document progress notes and incidents
• Assist residents with daily living activities, meals, hygiene, and transportation
• Conduct room and facility checks for safety and compliance
• Facilitate group activities, house meetings, and recovery discussions
• Observe and document medication self-administration and counts per policy
• Manage crises calmly following established procedures
• Communicate with clinical staff about resident concerns or changes in behavior

Skills

CPR/First Aid

Interpersonal skills

Professional boundaries

Reliability & compassion

Independence & teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

CASAC (T) associate or bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Position Summary

The Direct Care Staff plays a key role in supporting residents within our residential reintegration program. This position is responsible for providing day to day supervision, ensuring a safe and supportive living environment, assisting residents in following their treatment and recovery plans, and fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and recovery.

Certifications:

• CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and model positive behavior
• Reliable, compassionate, and patient under pressure
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Essential Functions

• Provide direct supervision and support to residents in accordance with program policies and individual treatment goals.
• Monitor resident behavior and document observations, progress notes, and incident reports accurately and promptly.
• Support residents with daily living activities, including meal preparation, hygiene, chores, and transportation as needed.
• Conduct regular room and facility checks to ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance with program rules.
• Facilitate or assist with group activities, house meetings, and recovery-oriented discussions.
• Provide direct observation of medication self-administration and document medication counts in accordance with agency policy and state regulations.
• Manage crisis situations calmly and effectively, following established procedures.
• Communicate effectively with clinical staff, counselors, and supervisors regarding resident concerns or changes in behavior.

Compliance Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all ethical and professional standards.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and supervision as required.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both office and field environments with exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, and maintenance activities. Personal protective equipment will be provided as required.

Behavioral Expectations

Employees are expected to:

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with community partners, and coworkers
• Work collaboratively as part of a team while exercising sound judgment and initiative
• Support RECAP's mission, values, and commitment to providing exceptional service.

Reasonable Accommodation

RECAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of this position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization.

Additional Employment Requirements

RECAP is committed to maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace. Pre-employment and, where permitted by applicable law or required by program regulations or funding requirements, periodic drug testing may be conducted in accordance with agency policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

RECAP is an Equal Opportunity/ Affiantive Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. RECAP reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as business needs require.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; CASAC (T) associate or bachelor's degree in human services, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.

Prior experience in residential treatment, behavioral health, or substance use services preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods.
• Ability to respond to emergencies, including physically assisting residents if necessary.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain all required professional licenses, credentials, certifications, and registrations necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Must maintain credentials in good standing and complete required renewals within applicable deadlines.
• Must successfully complete required pre-employment background screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete the required pre-employment drug screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete any required physical examination or health clearance.
• Must maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Must complete required agency, program, compliance, and departmental training.
• Must comply with all RECAP policies, procedures, program requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Must comply with applicable HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, OASAS, Medicaid Managed Care, and payer confidentiality and documentation requirements.
• Must maintain confidentiality of client, employee, financial, clinical, and organizational information.
• Must exercise appropriate discretion when handling protected health information and other sensitive information.
• Must maintain proficiency with required electronic health records, databases, Microsoft Office applications, and other systems necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Must successfully complete any required agency-specific training, credentialing, or payer-related requirements.
• Must perform other job-related duties as assigned.