Counselor

East House Corporation; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive community organization in Rochester, NY, is seeking a dedicated Counselor to provide comprehensive support to clients transitioning to independent living. The Counselor will develop individualized Service Plans, provide direct counseling, and maintain documentation according to standards. Candidates must have at least a High School diploma and relevant experience, along with a NYS motor vehicle license. Join a team committed to empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-5 years experience for Counselor role.
• NYS motor vehicle license and safe driving record required.
• Qualified Mental Health Staff designation needed for OMH licensed programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to clients.
• Develop individualized Service Plans in collaboration with clients.
• Maintain documentation according to regulatory standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to work with diverse clients

Basic computer literacy

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associates or Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

About Us

East House is a leading organization committed to providing comprehensive support and services to individuals in transition to more independent community living. We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Counselor to join our team and make a positive impact on the lives of our residential clients.

Position Overview

As a Counselor, you will play a vital role in providing orientation, assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, psycho-education, case management, referrals, reporting, and documentation to our clients. You will work closely with clients to develop individualized Service Plans and support them in achieving their goals and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Services That Address Client Goals

• Partner with each client on the caseload to develop individualized Service Plans based on client-identified goals.
• Support clients in pursuing Service Plan goals through coaching, teaching, individual and group counseling.
• Collaborate with other East House staff and external providers for referrals and client services.
• Efficiently manage an assigned caseload while maintaining accessibility to each client.
• Provide education and support to the families and friends of clients.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of the therapeutic community.
• Maintain familiarity with all clients in the unit through Case Reviews and communication logs.
• Address the needs of residents in the unit during on‑duty shifts.
• Coordinate with Program Manager and Financial Case Manager to assist clients with funding and financial matters.

Clients are Supported Through Effectively Coordinated Functions

• Coordinate activities and maintain appropriate schedules for the location.
• Collaborate with community agencies to identify resources.
• Maintain organized resources within the facility.
• Facilitate various trainings, workshops, groups, and activities as needed.
• Provide outreach to clients.

Daily Living Skills

• Assist in the daily operation of the residence, including light housekeeping, cooking, and supply management.
• Supervise and coach clients in developing functional skills necessary for independent living, such as cleaning, meal preparation, and maintaining a safe and sanitary environment.

Safely Managed Medications

• Provide supervision to clients in managing their medications.
• Adhere to East House medication policies and procedures.

Documentation Standards

• Maintain documentation to the standards defined by regulators, funders, and East House policies and procedures.

Results / Measures

• Achievement of client goals as identified in Service Plans.
• Positive feedback from colleagues and clients regarding the effectiveness of interventions.
• Maintenance of a safe and sanitary environment within group homes or apartments.
• Adherence to medication documentation and supervision standards.
• Compliance with documentation standards as demonstrated through audits and reviews.

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, handling objects, paperwork, computer work, and verbal and written communication.
• Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs., walking, standing, and reaching.
• Finger dexterity to operate a telephone and computer keyboard.
• Hearing ability to engage in normal conversation.
• Visual requirements to read documents and computer screens.
• Ability to read and interpret policies, procedures, and various other information.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stressful situations.

Working Conditions

• Response to crises and emergencies during on‑duty hours.
• Availability for work on weekends and holidays.
• Occasional travel in Monroe County and occasional transportation of clients required.

Reasonable Accommodation

East House provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-238-4800 or email your request to [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.

EEO Statement

East House provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability, or any other protected statuses in its hiring, promotions, and other employment activities.

Requirements

Counselor

• Minimum Education/Experience: High School + 2-5 years of experience; OR, Associates + 1-3 years of experience; OR, Bachelors + 0-1 years of experience.
• Autonomy: Performs day‑to‑day duties independently but may require additional feedback or support for complex issues.
• Interpersonal Interaction: Works well with clients and employees, assists others as necessary to accomplish Agency goals, and displays appropriate behaviors.
• Licenses: For OMH licensed programs, not required. For OASAS licensed programs, CASAC‑T required if the individual does not have a Bachelor's in the field.
• Agency Involvement: Involved in a limited number of agency committees, focus groups, teams, etc.

Counselor II

• Minimum Education/Experience: High School + 4-6 years of experience; OR, Associates + 2-4 years of experience; OR, Bachelors + 1-3 years of experience.
• Autonomy: Performs most duties on a regular basis with little supervision, can handle some complex issues independently but seeks outside support when needed.
• Interpersonal Interaction: Same as level I plus actively assists other employees in accomplishing Agency goals and models appropriate behaviors.
• Licenses: For OMH licensed programs, not required but recommended. For OASAS licensed programs, CASAC‑T required if the individual does not have a Bachelor's in the field.
• Agency Involvement: Occasionally involved in agency committees, focus groups, teams, etc.

Sr. Counselor

• Minimum Education/Experience: High School + 6-8 years of experience; OR, Associates + 4-6 years of experience; OR, Bachelors + 3-5 years of experience.
• Autonomy: Performs all duties on a regular basis with minimal supervision, comfortable handling most complex issues with little need for outside consultation.
• Interpersonal Interaction: Same as Level II plus routinely acts as a leader or mentor for other counselors and is seen as a go‑to person by others when the Supervisor is not available.
• Licenses: For OMH licensed programs, not required but recommended. For OASAS licensed programs, CASAC‑T required if the individual does not have a Bachelor's in the field. Higher QHP status is strongly preferred.
• Agency Involvement: Regularly involved in agency committees, focus groups, teams, etc.

Must have

• NYS motor vehicle license, safe driving record and availability of personal vehicle for work.
• Qualified Mental Health Staff as defined by OMH Residential regulations required for work in OMH licensed programs.
• Provisional Qualified Health Professional Status or CASAC‑T per OASAS Operating Regulations required in OASAS licensed programs. Counselors hired as Provisional QHP Status must obtain their CASAC or other QHP status within 3 years.
• Narcan training (required for OASAS licensed/funded programs)

Other Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with culturally diverse clients, staff and community service providers.
• Basic Computer Literacy as evidenced by the ability to go online and conduct basic searches, check his/her email account, create and send email with an attachment and use simple email features.
• Can open spreadsheets and word processing documents to read and make simple edits.
• Microsoft Word skills as evidenced by the ability to produce basic business letters and simple tables and charts; as well as check spelling, set tabs, change page orientation, sort, save, open and organize electronic files.

If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals in transition and are ready to contribute to a supportive team, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to empower individuals to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.

East House is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.