Residential Counselor

BHcare; Ansonia (CT); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

BHcare is looking for a Residential Support Staff member in Ansonia, CT. The role involves aiding individuals with mental health and co-occurring disorders within a residential setting, focusing on recovery-oriented and person-centered services.

This part-time position (24 hours/week) requires assisting in daily operations, supporting independent living skills, and maintaining documentation. Candidates should have a high school diploma and relevant experience or education in human services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two years of college education or experience in direct care work.
• Experience with individuals diagnosed with mental health issues preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily operations of the residential program.
• Support residents in developing independent living skills.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.

Skills

Empathy

Professionalism

Communication

Crisis Management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Job description

Overview

The Residential Support Staff member plays a vital role in supporting individuals with mental health and co-occurring disorders in a supervised residential setting. This position focuses on recovery‑oriented, culturally competent, and person‑centered services that promote resident well‑being, community integration, and independent living skills. Staff provide emotional support, skill‑building, rehabilitation services, and ensure the health and safety of all residents while respecting individual dignity and self‑esteem.

Job Details

Location: 97 Benz Street, Ansonia, CT 06401

Shift: Swing – part‑time, 24 hours per week. Schedule includes Saturday 3:00PM–11:00PM and 11:00PM–7:00AM, and Monday 11:00PM–7:00AM.

Education Level: 2‑Year Degree

Travel Requirement: Up to 25%

Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily operations of the residential program.
• Utilize required assessment tools to evaluate residents’ functioning, mental health status, needs, preferences, and service appropriateness.
• Assist residents with implementing individualized recovery plans and coordinate planning with treatment teams and natural supports.
• Conduct regular reviews of recovery plans and modify goals as needed.
• Demonstrate working knowledge and basic competency in serving individuals with co‑occurring disorders.
• Ensure appropriate referrals and linkages to mental health services, vocational, educational, psychosocial, medical, and community resources; provide advocacy as appropriate.
• Support residents in developing independent living skills, including:
  • Personal hygiene
  • Meal planning and cooking
  • Housekeeping and cleaning
  • Money management
• Provide rehabilitation interventions and facilitate rehabilitation groups as outlined in recovery plans.
• Supervise and support residents with self‑medication protocols, following agency and regulatory standards.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention, utilizing clinical and emergency support as needed.
• Communicate effectively with hospitals, emergency rooms, and emergency personnel during crises.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including communication logs, progress and encounter notes, and case records (paper and electronic).
• Enter daily service activities into required databases, ensuring data accuracy.
• Complete duties in compliance with agency performance standards.
• Attend required trainings, workshops, seminars, and professional development activities.
• Overnight staff must remain awake and alert at all times; primary responsibility is resident safety and well‑being.
• Complete assigned cleaning tasks and paperwork during the third shift as needed.
• Use personal vehicle for company business and client transportation when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.
• Two years of college education (human services or behavioral science preferred) or high school diploma/equivalent with 2–4 years of direct care work experience.
• Experience working with individuals with mental health diagnoses and/or co‑occurring disorders preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and respect for resident dignity.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and acceptable driving record required. Must meet agency and regulatory background clearance requirements.
• Must have working knowledge of computer applications and ability to navigate electronic health record systems.
• Must maintain a valid CT driver’s license if relocated to CT as a state resident more than 30 days ago, and be insurable at a reasonable rate under the organization’s auto insurance plan.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.