Resident Assistant

Acenda Integrated Health; Glassboro (NJ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Acenda Integrated Health is seeking a Residential Counselor for its A Place to Call Home program in Glassboro, NJ. The role provides direct counseling, supports residents with daily living, and helps achieve individualized rehabilitation goals.

You will document progress, supervise activities, and collaborate with nurses, supervisors, and directors to ensure safety, ethical care, and community reintegration. A strong focus on confidentiality and professional boundaries is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in human services or related field.
• HS diploma/GED with 2+ years direct care experience in mental health/residential setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct counseling to residents to promote emotional well-being and independence.
• Supervise daily living activities and maintain a safe, clean residential environment.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups and activities to build coping and social skills.
• Document progress and service needs per agency standards.
• Assist with transportation and community integration, maintaining safety.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Collaboration and Teamwork

Cultural Competence

Care Planning

Documentation

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Crisis Intervention

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

High school diploma or GED with 2 years direct care experience

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems

Job description

If you want to make a living by making a difference, join Acenda as anResidential CounselorPosition Summary:The Residential Counselor ensures the safety and security of adult clients in the residential setting while fostering a supportive and healthful environment. This role assists clients with skills training and daily living responsibilities, working closely with the residential nurse, supervisor, and director to implement individualized rehabilitation treatment goals. The Residential Counselor collaborates with Acenda team members and external supports to promote client independence, while upholding ethical standards in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics.As an integrated health organization Acenda values the use of evidence-based practice or EBP's.Duties and Responsibilities:Provide direct, hands-on counseling and support to residents to promote emotional well-being, independence, and community reintegration.Supervise and assist residents with daily living activities and household responsibilities, maintaining a clean, safe, and supportive environment.Support residents in identifying, establishing, and working toward individualized treatment and rehabilitation goals.Facilitate therapeutic groups and structured activities that enhance coping skills, socialization, and community readiness.Ensure resident safety during transportation to and from appointments and community activities.Accurately document resident progress, observations, and service needs in accordance with agency and regulatory standardsMaintain required certifications (CPR, medication, and sensitivity training) and adhere to all health, safety, and regulatory standards.Model positive behaviors, reinforce healthy decision-making, and maintain professional boundaries.Participate actively in staff meetings, case reviews, and interdisciplinary collaboration.Uphold resident confidentiality at all times and perform other duties as assigned.Required Skills/Competencies:Workplace Code of Conduct and EthicsInterpersonal CommunicationCollaboration and TeamworkCultural Competence and AdaptabilityScreening and AssessmentCare Planning and CoordinationSystems-Oriented PracticePractice-Based Learning and Quality ImprovementTechnologically ProficientAdditional Competency Based on ProgramSubstance Use Disorder ProgramsEstablishes rapport, gathers clinical data, assesses readiness for treatment; and applies criteria for diagnosisScreens for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, withdrawal symptoms, co-occurring mental health conditions, and risk of harm to self or others.Interprets screening results to determine treatment prioritiesChildren and Youth ProgramsDemonstrates knowledge of age-appropriate developmental milestones.Formulates measurable, individualized treatment goals and objectives.Housing Support Services for Homeless ClientsApplies evidence-based or accepted case management practices.Demonstrates communication and advocacy skills.Understands and complies with Fair Housing rules and regulations.Security Personnel OnlyUnderstands and complies with the agency's channel of communicationUnderstands the distinction between administrative and clinical seclusion or restraint.Knows how to respond appropriately to critical incidents and unusual events.Education, Work Experience and/or Skills Requirements:Bachelor's degree in a human services field (preferred); or high school diploma/GED with a minimum of two years of direct care experience in a mental health or residential/institutional setting, working with adults with chronic mental illness.Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (required).Ability to exercise sound judgment, independent thinking, and appropriate decision-making under all circumstances, including crisis situations.Strong organizational skills, including the ability to analyze work, set goals, develop plans, and manage time effectively.Proficiency in maintaining accurate documentation and utilizing electronic health record (EHR) systems (preferred)Ability to demonstrate professional boundaries, ethical practice, and cultural competence in all interactions.Additional Information:Pay rate: $18.50 per hourPhysical Requirements:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.Repeated motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingersThe employee must occasionally move about to accomplish tasks, adjust or move objects up to 20 pounds.Must be able to communicate with others to exchange informationAbility to drive a vehicleDisclaimer:This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. The workforce member is expected to adhere to all policies of Acenda.Department/ProgramA Place to Call Home (APTCH)