Unit Counselor-Driver (49554701)

ICL; New York (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization in New York seeks a full-time Unit Counselor-Driver. This role involves providing care and support to residents in a shelter setting while operating vehicles for transportation needs. Candidates should ideally have experience in human services and a valid driver's license. Comprehensive benefits including health care and paid training are offered.

Benefits

PAID Orientation and Training + Union

Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Life & AD&D Insurance

Mental Health Services

Tuition & Work-Life Assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Commuter Benefits Plan

Matching 403B

Discounts on select ticketed purchases

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in driving and relevant human services.
• Valid State Driver’s ID required.
• Food Handler certification within 45 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for direct interaction with residents, ensuring their support and safety.
• Operate and maintain vehicles, documenting required trip records.
• Assist with resident integration and program support.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Empathy

Knowledge of Vehicle Laws

Education

GED/HSE or higher

Job description

Institute for Community Living (ICL) is a non-profit organization servicing the NYC-Metro area and for over 35 years, we’ve provided life-saving care to New Yorkers in need that includes but is not limited to addiction assistance, mental health services, and housing support for all. Proudly doing so, with integrity, love, and respect. Our goal is to have a positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of the people and communities we serve with the hope of providing the care, support, and attention they need.

So, it is our pleasure to announce that we are currently seeking a full-timecandidate for the role of Unit Counselor-Driver (UC-Driver), to join our team! – Veterans preferred for specific VA Shelter locations.

By ICL definition, under the direct supervision of the Program Dir., a Unit Counselor-Driver is someone primarily responsible for interacting directly with residents, performing a wide variety of tasks related to the care, nurturing, treatment, education, socialization, habilitation, recovery, healing, safety, security, and support of such residents, assuring that all areas of the facility are clean and functioning as required,in addition to, operating and maintaining vehicles with a focus on safety and client courtesy per the Authorized Driver Handbook.

MIN. ROLE REQUIREMENTS & PREFERENCES:

• LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY 11201+ Available 5 Days min. Monday to Sunday, with options for O.T. – Shift: Days & Hours TBD
• EDU/EXP: GED/HSE or higher and 2+ years of BOTH driving, messenger, unit counseling, or relevant human services exp. – preferably in a shelter setting
• LICENCING:
  • NYS Food Handler (MUST be obtained within 45 days of hire)
  • Valid State Driver’s ID (CDL, General Class D or Class A, B, or C licensing accepted) – NY, NJ, CT, or PA preferred
• Proper attire always – this includes work pants, boots, and outer/inner-wear with the ICL company logo (provided after training)

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to operate motor vehicles as required
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and stretch for long periods of time
• Knowledge of simple automotive repair and maintenance procedures
• Ability to effectively use computer software such as MS Word and Outlook
• Ability to consistently report for work as scheduled, being on-call if needed
• Knowledge of local maps, Vehicle and Traffic Laws, and roadway interpretations
• Knowledge of the nature of cargo carried (if any) and any special handling required
• Ability to perform medium to heavy manual labor, including lifting objects weighing up to 50+ lbs
• Ability to work in a setting with diverse individuals with mental illness and/or behavioral disorders
• Strong problem-identification and solving skills with an awareness of self and one’s impact on others
• Ability to work both independently and as a team, to conform to all applicable safety and accountability measures
• Strong communication, listening, interpersonal, writing, and conveying skills – bi-lingual is a plus but not mandatory
• Ability to continually learn and apply knowledge with a willingness to participate in in-service training and development activities
• Ability to learn, understand, and comply with all state and city regulations, policies, and procedures regarding unit counseling
• Ability to follow all safety guidelines in accordance with the performance of the tasks mentioned below...

UNIT COUNSELOR TASKS:

• Resident Integration – show empathy to residents upon entry; participate in or conduct orientation of new residents; communicate to residents what the program processes and activities are explaining the types of clinical services, recreational activities, and ICL programs that are available
• Resident & Program Support – actively look for ways to assist residents with compassion and hope; responsible for helping to meet the program needs of residents and developing the spirit, values, and culture of the “neighborhoods”; provide social support to residents, including verbal assistance to help residents to help themselves regarding day-to-day life in the residence
• Housing Support – conduct hourly rounds of the facility to check in on all residents; document neighborhood activities and interactions with residents as directed; assist with meal-related activities such as warming up food as required, serving it, and cleaning up activities
• Travel & Recreational Planning – provide residents on both an individual or group basis with transportation for housing placement, service appointments, recreational, or other service plan-related purposes as appropriate
• Conflict Resolution – mediate and perform crisis assessment and verbal/non-verbal crisis intervention between residents; participate in planned interventions with residents as directed, including the use of Motivational Interviewing; maintain self-control in crisis situations, working with residents and staff in a caring and respectful manner
• Compliance Support – comply with attendance and timekeeping rules and report reliably and regularly to work on an on-going basis; comply and promote compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies helping to strengthen and maintain an ethical organizational culture
• Team and Staff Support – attend and participate in required trainings, mgmt. and supervision meetings; function as an effective team member, including performing share of work, cooperating with coworkers, securing cooperation, and maintaining professional relationships and boundaries with co-workers, supervisors, and residents; report serious incidents, allegations, or sensitive situations to supervisors as well as in-service trainings

DRIVER TASKS:

• Operate assigned vehicle safely and courteously; maintain defensive driving
• Attend all required training, including any assigned safety and safe driver courses
• Respond immediately to accidents or medical emergencies by notifying emergency response providers
• Keep the assigned vehicle clean inside and out; add fuel as needed; perform minor maintenance tasks as required
• Coordinate schedules for major or periodic vehicle maintenance with management and staff to minimize service interruptions
• Read and interpret maps and driving directions to plan the most efficient route service for clients or as instructed by the supervisor
• Assist clients, in and out of the vehicle as necessary; operate ramps, lifts, and securement devices; present safety briefing to passengers before each trip departure
• Liaison between clients, staff, the program where clients reside, and the program to which the client is being transported – e. relay and provide information, deliver paperwork, etc.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records on trip sheets, client transportation forms, vehicle maintenance, fuel purchases, incident reports, accident reports, vehicle condition reports, and other records requested
• Provide clients with peer counseling, and serve as a positive role model while providing transportation service – only if instructed by the supervisor
• Perform other job-related tasks as assigned in an organized and detail-oriented manner when not engaged in transportation services
• Please Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless this causes undue hardship to the agency.

If you feel that you’re a suitable candidate for this role and would like to join our organization, please submit your resume in response to this ad to contact a recruiter in HR for further related info to the role above or the benefits mentioned below…

ICL BENEFITS:

PLEASE NOTE: ICL Company Benefits are exclusive to employees working 20+ hours and EDU Leave is 40+ hours ONLY!

• PAID Orientation and Training + Union
• Choice of full and/or partial Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits (spousal and child coverage available too)
• Life & AD&D Insurance + Medical Flexible Spending
• Mental Health Services and Providers
• Educational & Parental Leave
• Tuition & Work-Life Assistance
• Commuter Benefits Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Matching 403B (non-profit)
• Payroll Benefits: Corporate Fitness Account / NYS College Savings Program / Etc.
• Discounts on select ticketed purchases provided by Plum Benefits
• And many more…

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.