RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR

SCO Family of Services; Dix Hills (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision and Dental (for FT staff)

100% agency paid life insurance

403B retirement plan

generous PTO package

paid training

tuition reimbursement

discounts on phone services & more

Job summary

SCO Family of Services is seeking a compassionate Residential Counselor to join Madonna Heights Morning Star programs. The role involves running residential shifts, ensuring safety, enforcing rules, and maintaining daily routines for residents in recovery.

You will document observations, manage medication observation, conduct room checks, and support program activities while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. On-site work with a comprehensive benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.
• Experience in residential, behavioral health, substance use, or human services settings preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented environments.
• Ability to maintain clear documentation and follow procedures.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and de-escalation skills.

Responsibilities

• Run the residential shift and maintain program structure and routines.
• Ensure resident safety through active supervision and monitoring.
• Respond to resident concerns, conflicts, and behavioral issues trauma‑informed.
• Enforce house rules consistently and fairly.
• Escalate safety concerns to supervisory staff immediately.
• Maintain visibility in the residence and document shift activities.
• Complete and document childcare checks as applicable (MS2).
• Ensure the residence is clean, safe, and orderly; monitor chores and upkeep.
• Adhere to daily schedules and routines; address environmental/behavioral issues.
• Provide shift reports and handoffs; review meeting minutes as needed.
• Complete accurate daily shift notes in the EHR; document incidents and observations.
• Document medication observation, toxicology, room checks, and searches as required.
• Meetings: facilitate or support house meetings; document in the EHR.
• Identify and report maintenance or safety concerns; assist with work orders.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

De-escalation

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Documentation

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's in human services

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Microsoft 365

Job description

SCO Family of Services is currently seeking compassionate Residential Counselor to join our team in our Madonna Heights Morning Star programs. Our Morning star program provide a safe and structured environment for Women in recovery, while our Residential Counselors assist our clients in developing a drug and alcohol-free, self-supporting lifestyle.

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Run the residential shift and maintain program structure and routines.

Ensure resident safety at all times through active supervision and monitoring.

Respond to resident concerns, conflicts, and behavioral issues in a trauma-informed manner.

Enforce house rules consistently, respectfully, and fairly.

Escalate safety concerns, incidents, or compliance issues immediately to supervisory staff.

Maintain a visible and active presence throughout the residence, including regular movement through common areas and resident spaces.

Complete and document required childcare checks twice per shift, as applicable(MS2)

House Operations & Daily Structure

Ensure the residence is clean, safe, and orderly.

Monitor completion of assigned chores and upkeep of common and resident areas.

Support consistent adherence to daily schedules and routines.

Address environmental or behavioral issues that impact safety or program functioning.

Communicate relevant updates, concerns, and incidents to the Residential Coordinator or Program Supervisor.

Read the communication book at the start of each shift and document as required.

Complete log book entries each shift.

Provide and receive clear verbal shift reports during staff handoff to ensure continuity of care.

Review staff meeting minutes when unable to attend scheduled meetings.

Documentation & Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Complete accurate and timely daily shift notes in the electronic health record (EHR).

Document resident observations, incidents, significant interactions, and meetings facilitated during the shift.

Document medication observation, toxicology screens, room checks, and searches in accordance with policy.

Ensure all documentation is factual, objective, role-appropriate, and completed before the end of the shift.

Complete controlled inventory at the beginning and end of each shift with a second staff member present.

Report inventory discrepancies immediately.

Observe residents self-administer medication in accordance with program policy.

Ensure medication procedures are followed precisely and documented accurately.

Conduct and document daily room checks.

Complete bag searches in accordance with policy.

Administer and document urine toxicology screens as assigned.

Ensure all monitoring activities are conducted respectfully, consistently, and in compliance with program standards.

Meetings & Program Activities

Facilitate or support assigned program meetings, including daily, weekly, or monthly house meetings.

Document all meetings facilitated in the EHR.

Support program activities as directed by supervisory staff.

Facility & Maintenance Support

Identify and report maintenance or safety concerns during shifts.

Complete or assist with work order submissions as directed.

Escalate urgent facility or safety issues immediately.

Professional Standards & Accountability

Maintain professional boundaries with residents at all times.

Follow all SCO, MSC, and OASAS policies and procedures.

Participate in supervision, required training, and performance evaluations.

Seek guidance and elevate concerns appropriately when unsure how to proceed.

Other Duties as Assigned

Perform additional duties related to program operations, compliance, or service delivery as assigned by the Program Supervisor, consistent with the scope and level of the position

II. QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.

Experience working in residential, behavioral health, substance use, or human services settings preferred.

Knowledge of trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented environments.

Ability to maintain clear documentation and follow program procedures.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and de-escalation skills.

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Proficiency with electronic health records and basic Microsoft 365 applications preferred.

Valid NYS Driver’s License and acceptable driving record, as applicable.

Successful completion of required background checks and health clearances.

III. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & COMPENTENCIES

Be team players.

Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within our organization.

Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.

Ability to set limits and maintain helping role of practitioner and to intervene appropriately.

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS:

On site role in a residential program.

Shift – based schedule including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as assigned’

Benefits include:

• Medical insurance
• Vision and Dental (for FT staff)
• 100% agency paid life insurance
• 403B retirement plan
• generous PTO package
• paid training
• tuition reimbursement
• discounts on phone services & more!!

SCO Family of Services is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Travel Required

Yes . Yes, 25 % of the Time

Education

Required

High School or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.