RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR

About Volunteers of America Minnesota/Bar-None Residential Treatment Services

THIS IS A PAID POSITION WITH A COMPREHENSIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE.

Volunteers of America of Minnesota is a non-profit organization that provides a wide variety of services to over 35,000 children and their families, school students, individuals with special needs of all ages, youth and adult sex-offenders and senior citizens each year. Volunteers of America of Minnesota seeks to empower program participants with the skills and competencies necessary for age appropriate independence and self-reliance. Volunteers of America of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


The Bar-None Residential Treatment Services division of VOA provides a wide array of residential services for juvenile males and females (ages 10-18) who have been experiencing difficulty in their communities, schools and homes. Services include open and secure Residential Treatment for males exhibiting emotional and behavior problems; those that have diagnosis such as Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, etc.; and those with cognitive and/or social skill concerns. Also provided for both for males and females (housed separately) are emergency short-term and long-term stabilization programs, as well as a six week evaluation program.

About This Position

The Residential Counselor position is entry level. However, promotions for upper-level positions are conducted from within, allowing for advancement during your career with us. The wide array of services offered on agency also allows for the opportunity to gain experience working with different populations through the various programs and services offered here.

Duties included in this position are:
Intervening in positive or negative behaviors in unison with the unit program and its team-approved strategies.
Supervising the residents in carrying out daily living routines.
Assisting in the planning, development and implementation of treatment/stabilization plans.
Facilitating and guiding group sessions with residents on various topics.
Providing recreational, educational and social activities that meet residents' physical, intellectual and social needs.
Correctly administering/recording medications and dealing with resident medical concerns as directed by on-site Nursing Department (training provided).
Ensuring that residents practice appropriate hygiene and health care.
Sharing and receiving information from parents and referring workers in a professional manner and communicate pertinent information to team/supervisor.
Providing a healthy and appropriate model for residents to emulate.
Effectively organizing shifts to allow for effective programming for residents and positive work environment with co-workers.
Working with staff and residents of different cultural and/or gender backgrounds.
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Job Requirement

Must be 21 years of age.
High School diploma/GED required. BA/BS degree in related field preferred.
Valid drivers license with a good driving record.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work with a diverse population of individuals by using tact, diplomacy and flexibility.
Experience preferred.



About Volunteers of America's Benefit Plan

Medical
Dental
Life
Long Term Disability
403(b) Retirement Plan
Tuition Reimbursement
2 Floating Holidays
Flex Spending Accounts