Residential / Activities Counselor

The Residential / Activities Counselor position will be responsible for supervision of clients, administration of the program rules, level system, and facilitating a positive/safe milieu. Responsible for providing therapeutic care of children. Strive consistently to be a positive influence in their lives by exhibiting a pleasant and problem solving attitude. Also responsible for weekend work, planning and leading milieu activities, including outings, overall supervision of clients in the house. Reports to the House Manager, responsible for creating an environment conducive to client personal growth and learning skills for an independent living program. Appropriately use consequences as determined by the program manual. Assist client in completing individual treatment plan goals.Job Responsibilities:Responsible for monitoring clients in the house as appropriate for worked shift (ex. Night shift will perform bed checks,etc.)
Assists in preparing meals for clients, plan and document all meals according to USDA guidelines
Day or evening shift workers will conduct weekly shopping visits in the dining hall to ensure that the house is well stocked with foodMonitors the client activities in the house including chores
Assist in the overall independent living environment by teaching and assisting in applicable tasks for the worked shift, including working with client on phase curriculum
Transport clients on activities, appointments, etc.Supervise visitation by parents, DCS workers, etc.
Complete all documentation as pertaining the the shift worked
Monitor to ensure that client’s medications are taken as prescribed and report any discrepancies or medical issues to the nurse
Monitor client symptoms/behaviors and participate in treatment planning
Attend all house and program meetings
Monitor client’s progress in complying with program expectations and provide appropriate consequences as needed
Assist client with any educational needs for the worked shift (ex. Attend school meetings, assist with homework)
Report any maintenance issues by filling out a maintenance request
Conduct, participate, and document monthly fire drillsAny other duties assigned by supervisor
Work a flexible schedule including weekend work.
Provide an activities calendar to supervisor by the designated dead line.
Schedule and arrange a variety of on and off-campus activities.
Network within the community in order to obtain ticket donations, discounts, etc.
Maintain activities within designated budget unless receiving prior approval on expense requests from supervisor in order to exceed allotted amount
Assist in the overall independent living environment by teaching and assisting in applicable tasks while on outings
Complete all documentation including obtaining necessary permission for out of county trips, activity forms, expense requests etc.
Communicate with house staff to ensure that attendees of the activities are not expected to be at other appointments
Maintain the orderliness of the gym, equipment, and equipment room by utilizing residents that need work program hours
Report any van maintenance issues by filling out a maintenance request
Responsible for maintaining necessary staff to child ratio
Attend all required HRMC and DCS trainings
REQUIREMENTS
Job Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
Education/Knowledge:
Residential Counselor - Possess a Bachelor’s Degree. Understanding of youth needs and one year’s experience working with children/youth/families preferred.Milieu Counselor - Possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D. and understanding of youth needs and one year’s experience working with children/youth/families preferred.Experience:
Working with children/youth/families, prefer residential experience or exposure via internship.Understanding of or willingness to learn principles of behavior modification and rehabilitation.Skills:
Able to establish professional client boundaries
Effectively sets limits with clients
Able to fulfill the job responsibilities and resolve conflict.Must possess a class D driver’s license with F endorsement.Performance Standards - Quantity and Quality:
Routinely provides clients with positive and supportive feedback
Assist in the provision of client activities as scheduled
Monitors clients routinely to ensure safety and reduce client risk
Assists clients in meeting their treatment or independent living needsTeaches healthy life skills to clients
Maintains confidentiality of clients
Report serious incidents to the on-call person and fill out appropriate forms
Dependability on maintaining the program and work schedule