Residential Program Counselor (ISSI)

Volunteers of America Delaware Valley; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A community organization based in Philadelphia is seeking a dedicated individual to work in a therapeutic environment focused on neurocognitive disorders. In this role, you will assist clients in developing rehabilitation programs, provide medication supervision, and support daily living skills. A high school diploma and two years of relevant experience are required. The position necessitates strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the completion of AACBIS certification within the first 18 months of employment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years practical experience in Neurocognitive disorders.
• Prior experience in managing operations for special populations is required.
• Certification from the AACBIS must be achieved within 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Maintain therapeutic environment and relationships with clients.
• Develop and implement rehabilitation programs.
• Respond to emergencies and document incidents.
• Assist clients with daily activities and independent living skills.

Skills

Effective written and verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

ISSI/Step Down/OMH Sup
2601 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19132, USA

Primary provider of a therapeutic environment for the treatment of individuals with neurocognitive disorders in a community residential setting with very close and structured supervision. Responsibilities include assisting with developing and implementing rehabilitation programs, assisting clients with scheduled activities, and conducting program operations in accordance with the principles of normalization, positive approaches and sound ethical social work practices.

SCOPE OF DUTIES

• Establish and maintain a therapeutic environment with consumers that include a working relationship that reflect trust, reliability and compassion.
• Working knowledge of client’s individual treatment plan.
• Assist with developing, implementing and monitoring client’s rehabilitation programs both for cognitive and physical impairment.
• Support independent living skills such as personal care and daily living.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations at program site demonstrating competency in and administrating crisis intervention. Document all special and/or required reportable incidents involving clients and submit all required documentation (i.e. incident report) timely to supervisor.
• Read the shift log and other pertinent documentation at the beginning of each shift.
• Make appropriate entries in shift log and progress notes that are thorough, complete, professional and legible. Entries shall convey information concerning clients, activities, building conditions, and/or other significant information.
• Provide appropriate medication supervision through monitoring and/or administration and documentation in Medication Log.
• Assist and model appropriate behavior with consumers in life skills such as: academic, personal and home care; meal planning/ preparation; leisure time activity planning; financial management; shopping; socialization and etiquette; utilizing community resources; and vocational development.
• Coordinate and assist clients with obtaining and attending scheduled activities (i.e. shopping excursions, banking, recreational outings and other related program trips) adhering to the Program Calendar.
• Escort consumers in agency vehicle as directed.
• Move about inside and outside the facility completing hourly rounds to ensure facility security and document facility conditions.
• Oversee facility security including ensuring monitoring of the Visitor’s Log.
• Conduct monthly evacuation drills as assigned.
• Ensure site cleanliness.
• Adhere to attendance and punctuality policy arriving to work punctual and ready to start shift at designated time. Remain on duty until replaced by another staff person.
• Maintain a professional appearance while on duty or on agency premises adhering to agency dress policy.
• Fulfill training obligations.
• Complete other duties as assigned by Management.
• Interact and communicate (verbally and non-verbally) with all clients, staff, and outside contacts professionally with respect and courtesy.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding client, staff and agency information in compliance with policies and procedures.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings, individual supervision, trainings and other meetings as requested.

ADA Essential Physical Functions

• Constantly walking, standing and moving about both inside (square foot of building) and outside (perimeter of building) monitoring client behavior as well as facility cleanliness and building assessment.
• Frequently climb stairs to complete facility rounds and/or monitor client behavior.
• Frequently required to sit answering telephone, documentation of required paperwork.
• Frequently required to talk and hear communicating with clients and co-workers exchanging accurate relevant information.
• Frequently required to see and observe beyond arms reach seeing up and down or to the left and right observing clients and potential problems throughout the facility.
• Frequently required to use hands to handle and/or feel writing, operating computer and other office equipment.
• Occasionally required to reach, bend, stoop and smell when conducting facility searches and securing terminated client possessions.
• Regularly required to lift and move up to 10 lbs.
• Occasionally required to lift and move up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to identify or distinguish colors.

Qualifications

Skills

Education

Required

High School or better.

Experience

Required

Minimum of a high school diploma with two years transferable, practical experience in the Neurocognitive disorders field. Prior experience in managing operations and services to special populations in residential, educational, and vocational and community based settings. This position is required to achieve certification from the AACBIS (American Academy for the Certification of Brain Injury Specialists within the first 18 months of employment and maintain annual certification requirements.

Additional skills required include working with individuals with both cognitive and physical impairment, effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced client service-orientated environment while demonstrating effective logical problem-solving skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills for interacting appropriately with clientele as well as working effectively with co-workers as a team player are essential. Basic computer skills.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Valid Drivers License

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.