Residential Counselor - Mental Health & Recovery Support

Institute for Community Living Inc.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical

Dental and Vision plans

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with 90

Job summary

Institute for Community Living Inc. in Brooklyn, NY is seeking an entry-level direct care professional for a 24/7 community residential program. You will support adults with mental illness and substance use disorders, aiding daily living, safety, and a therapeutic environment onsite.

The role emphasizes skill-building, teamwork, documentation, incident reporting, and following procedures. Training, supervision, and opportunities for career development are provided.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED; specialized training in human services may substitute for experience.
• Experience: One year of related human services experience supporting adults with mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
• Certifications/Licenses: Ability to obtain and maintain Standard First Aid and CPR certification; valid NYS driver’s license may be required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular facility inspections to ensure safety, cleanliness, and security.
• Report serious incidents immediately and complete incident documentation per policy.
• Explain available services and programs; teach daily living skills, socialization, and conflict resolution.
• Follow emergency procedures and support the safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
• Assist individuals with hygiene, grooming, nutrition, and daily living needs.
• Review and update staff communication logs each shift.
• Perform housekeeping tasks to maintain a safe and healing environment.
• Ensure food provided meets dietary requirements.
• Accompany individuals to medical appointments, social agencies, and community activities.
• Maintain regular attendance and work beyond scheduled hours when needed.
• Attend team meetings, staff meetings, and supervision.
• Complete required in-service training and staff development.
• Monitor medications and complete related documentation when assigned.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Specialized training in human services (substitution for experience)

Job description

Myrtle Avenue CR/SRO
1070 Myrtle Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA

Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
High school diploma or GED.
Specialized training or education in human services may be substituted for experience.

Experience:
One year of related human services experience supporting adults with mental illness and/or substance use disorders.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid NYS driver’s license may be required depending on assignment.

Work Eligibility: Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Work Location Requirement: Onsite – community residential program with 24/7 staffing coverage. This is a relief post.

What we Offer: We provide competitive benefits, including:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical (HSA), Dental and Vision plans, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, Personal, Sick, Mental Health Days and 12 paid holidays
• Employee Wellness Programs: Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources
• Learning & Development Opportunities: Educational Leave and Tuition Assistance, Training and Career Development Tracks
• Additional Perks: Commuter Benefits, recognition programs, discount programs, flexible spending plans, voluntary benefits including pet insurance, identity theft insurance, legal plans, and voluntary ancillary benefits.

About the role: This entry-level direct care role supports adults diagnosed with mental illness and substance use disorders in community residential settings. Staff provide 24/7 coverage, ensuring safety, support, daily living assistance, and a therapeutic environment. The position focuses on helping individuals build skills, achieve personal goals, and integrate successfully into the community while maintaining a safe and clean-living environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

Conduct regular facility inspections to ensure safety, cleanliness, and security.

Report serious incidents immediately and complete incident documentation per policy.

Explain available services and programs; teach daily living skills, socialization, and conflict resolution.

Follow emergency procedures and support the safety of residents, staff, and visitors.

Assist individuals with hygiene, grooming, nutrition, and daily living needs.

Review and update staff communication logs each shift.

Perform housekeeping tasks to maintain a safe and healing environment.

Ensure food provided meets dietary requirements.

Accompany individuals to medical appointments, social agencies, and community activities.

Maintain regular attendance and work beyond scheduled hours when needed.

Attend team meetings, staff meetings, and supervision.

Complete required in-service training and staff development.

Monitor medications and complete related documentation when assigned.

Assist clinical staff with resident accountability and missing person procedures.

Observe and document individuals’ behavior and responses to treatment.

Lead skills development or activity groups when appropriate.

Assist individuals with meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

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.