Front Desk Counselor

Postgraduate Center for Mental Health; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Postgraduate Center for Mental Health is seeking a Front Desk Counselor to provide supportive counseling and crisis intervention for residents in a residential setting. Responsibilities include maintaining a safe environment, documenting events, and assisting residents with daily living tasks; you will also support crisis management and coordinate visits and appointments.

The role requires strong communication, de-escalation, and time-management skills, with a focus on safety and client

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Some college in mental health field encouraged or desired.
• Experience in residential/mental health settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and security of the facility and monitor residents.
• Provide supportive counseling and crisis intervention as needed.
• Record significant events in logs and documentation systems.
• Assist with daily living tasks and apartment inspections.
• Escort clients to appointments and support community access.
• Participate in staff meetings and follow policies.
• Remain on site until relieved and follow all internal procedures.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

De-escalation

Time management

Calm under pressure

Education

High School Diploma

2 years college in mental health

Tools

Microsoft Office

Foothold AWARDS

CPR/First Aid

Job description

JOB SCOPE:

The Front Desk Counselor provides supportive counseling and crisis intervention as required by individual residents. Major areas of responsibility include monitoring the safety and security of the facility, providing good customer service, and exercising good judgment in managing crises.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain the environment of the facility safely and securely, including monitoring video surveillance cameras and conducting hourly building walk-throughs to assess the physical environment, and ensure the well-being of residents.
• Document significant building activities and events in the Communication Logbook.
• Perform light maintenance and housekeeping skills, such as picking up or emptying garbage, mopping up spills, shoveling snow, etc.
• Ensure all resident visitors provide identification and sign in the Visitor Log.
• Conduct monthly fire drills.
• Assess and respond to resident situations, including the utilization of de-escalation techniques.
• Report crises, untoward incidents, and emergencies immediately to the clinical staff on call and document such events in the program log, incident reports, and on appropriate forms in a timely manner.
• Order, supervise, and count medication in accordance with Licensed Housing Medication Policy and Procedures, where applicable.
• Maintain accurate client case records, including writing progress notes and creating service plans, when needed, and as promulgated in PCMH Policies and Procedures.
• Conduct apartment inspections and provide support to clients with regard to daily living skills.
• Escort clients in the community to medical, benefit, or other pertinent appointments.
• Participate in residential staff meetings.
• Remain on site until relief staff arrive.
• Adhere to personnel and residential policies and procedures as outlined in the PCMH Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and the Residential Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Performs other duties, consistent with the goals and objectives of the program, as assigned by the Program Director or Regional Director for Residential Services.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE:

• Microsoft Office
• Foothold AWARDS
• CPR/First Aid

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong customer services skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to residents.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage time
• Good judgment
• Ability to appropriately assess and respond to situations, including ability to de-escalate residents
• Ability to remain calm and focused in emergency situations
• Ability to work effectively with others and demonstrate conflict resolution skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required, college degree or 2 years of college in a mental health field desired.
• Minimum one year experience working as a counselor in a residential, mental health or related setting.