Senior Residential Counselor

Postgraduate Center for Mental Health; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Postgraduate Center for Mental Health in New York is seeking a Senior Residential Counselor to assist the Program Director in residential operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality case management. The role includes supervising direct care staff and responding to crises to protect residents and property.

The position covers medication management, client advocacy, and close collaboration with health and social services, with on-site supervision and ongoing staff coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a mental health field with 3 years related residential experience preferred.
• Computer literacy with Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and publishing software.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality case management and maintain residents' case records.
• Provide leadership and supervision of direct care staff.
• Respond to crises and minimize risk.
• Coordinate medication management per policy.
• Escort clients to medical appointments.
• Maintain safe environment and monitor building security.
• Participate in residential staff meetings.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Judgment

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Strategic thinking

Time management

Risk management

Resident engagement

Crisis response

Education

Bachelor's degree in mental health

High school diploma with 5 years residential experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Foothold AWARDS

LIHTC compliance

TMS Maven

CPR/First Aid

NYS OMH regulations

Job description

JOB SCOPE:

The Senior Residential Counselor is responsible for assisting the Program Director in all aspects of residential operations to ensure compliance with all regulatory agency requirements, as well as PCMH policies and procedures. Major areas of responsibility include ensuring quality case management and care for all residents, maintaining comprehensive case records, providing leadership and supervision of direct care staff, and responding to crises.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensures that residents follow appropriate psychiatric and medical plans; approves individual service plans as needed. Integrates services of the Health Care Coordinator with other program and case management services.
• Maintains case records in accordance with regulatory requirements; reviews individual case records and signs off as needed.
• Provides counseling to residents, as required.
• Maintains a resident caseload, as needed.
• Assists in scheduling and planning recreational and social activities.
• Facilitates groups in the residence.
• 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 all untoward incidents and complete follow-up on incidents.
• Order, supervise and count medication in accordance with Licensed Housing Medication Policy and Procedures, where applicable.
• Prepare written correspondence and notifications on resident related issues.
• Escort clients in the community to medical, benefit, or other pertinent appointments.
• 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.
• Conduct monthly fire drills.
• Conduct apartment inspections and provide support to clients regarding daily living skills.
• Participate in residential staff meetings.
• Remain on site until relief staff arrive.
• Provides ongoing supervision and directives to Residential Counselor and Front Desk Counselors, as needed.
• Conducts internal audits of clinical case records and all other program documentation to ensure compliance with city, state, and federal regulations.
• Monitors compliance with all applicable safety and health code requirements.
• Maintains productive working relationships with provider groups and referral sources.
• 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.
• Participates in special projects assigned by senior management.
• Performs other duties, consistent with the goals and objectives of the program, as assigned by the Program Director, Regional Director, or other agency administration.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE:

• Microsoft Office
• Foothold AWARDS
• LIHTC Compliance, where applicable
• TMS Maven, where applicable
• CPR/First Aid
• NYS OMH Licensed Housing Regulations, NYS OMH Supported Housing Guidelines, and/or NYC DOHMH OPRE Standards.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and system tracking skills
• Excellent judgment
• Ability to work proactively
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to think critically
• Ability to think strategically
• Ability to effectively manage time
• Ability to manage and minimize agency risk.
• Ability to engage resident population
• Ability to appropriately assess and respond to crises
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and initiative
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and shift between responsibilities
• Ability to teach, train, and supervise others in mental health case management services
• Ability to work effectively with others and demonstrate conflict resolution skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a Mental Health discipline or related field with 3 years related experience preferred. High School Diploma, with at least 5 years related experience in a residential setting considered.
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and publishing software.