Residential Counselor

Postgraduate Center for Mental Health; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Postgraduate Center for Mental Health is seeking a Residential Counselor to provide supportive counseling to residents, assist them in achieving short- and long-term goals, and intervene in crises as needed.

The role involves documenting services, maintaining case records, leading groups, and coordinating community activities on-site. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to de-escalate crises are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college mental health coursework preferred.
• Minimum two years’ experience as a counselor in a residential/mental health or related setting; education may substitute.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Foothold AWARDS; CPR/First Aid certification required within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Work with an assigned caseload of residents to provide support services.
• Implement individual service plans to assist residents in attaining rehabilitation goals.
• Maintain, develop and document accurate case records, regular progress notes and service plan summaries.
• Lead recreational, counseling, and other rehabilitation groups.
• Escort clients to medical or benefit appointments and coordinate community activities.
• Maintain the environment safely, monitor building areas, and ensure resident well-being.
• Document significant building activities and events in logs.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written comms

Time management

Judgment

De-escalation

Crisis management

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College coursework in mental health

Tools

Microsoft Office

Foothold AWARDS

CPR/First Aid certification

Job description

JOB SCOPE:

The Residential Counselor provides supportive counseling to assist residents in achieving individual long and short-term goals and objectives, and crisis intervention as required by individual residents. Major areas of responsibility include providing and documenting services, monitoring the safety and security of the facility, providing good customer service, and exercising good judgment in managing crises.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work with an assigned caseload of residents to provide support services.
• Implement individual service plans to assist residents in attaining rehabilitation goals.
• Maintain, develop and document accurate case records, regular progress notes and individual service plan summaries for each resident.
• Offer instruction and service delivery in any of 11 different service categories through role modeling, guidance, assistance, and support.
• Manage crises within the residence and intervene appropriately to minimize risk of potential harm to residents, staff, and damage to property. Notify appropriate supervisor and document events on the appropriate forms.
• Order, supervise, and count medication in accordance with Licensed Housing Medication Policy and Procedures, where applicable.
• Provide counseling to clients/residents as required.
• Lead recreational, counseling, and other rehabilitation groups.
• Escort clients in the community to medical, benefit, or other pertinent appointments.
• Coordinate and participate in community activities.
• Maintain the environment of the facility safely and securely, monitor video surveillance cameras and conduct 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.
• 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.
• 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 (must obtain Certification within 6 month of employment and maintain throughout duration of employment.)

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 two years’ experience working as a counselor in a residential, mental health or related setting. Education may be substituted for some experience.