Senior Residence Counselor-Garnerville, NY

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To: Program Supervisor
Program: Licensed Residential Services
Location: Garnerville, NY
Hours Per Week: 40 (full-time, part-time time and per diem opportunities available)
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Salary Range: $22 to $24/hr

Summary Description: The Sr. Residence Counselor is responsible for tasks relating to the daily operation of the licensed residential services. The Sr. Residence Counselor will serve as a role model, providing a home-like atmosphere in which dignity and respect enhance each person’s existence. They will participate in person-centered service planning and provide restorative services for each resident. This means keeping things organized around the house and making sure we know where everyone is so that everyone feels safe and at home! The residents we support are independent and thrive when staff embrace creativity and fun.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assume the responsibilities of the Program Coordinator in their absence, or as directed by the Program Director, and serve as a Residence Counselor as required.
• Assist the Program Coordinator in the supervision, development, and evaluation of Residence Counselors. Assist the Program Coordinator in conducting staff meetings and case conferences.
• Assist the Program Coordinator with instructing and monitoring staff’s implementation of the following activities, and comply with program practices and procedures, including but not limited to:
• Daily activities
• Maintain order in the residence and know the whereabouts of all at all times
• Self-medication procedures for residents
• Continuous care of facility, equipment, and supplies
• Safety, comfort, health, and hygiene of residents
• Vehicle safety, cleanliness, and operation
• Independent living skills acquisition
• Developing person-centered service plans for residents.
• Meal planning, food ordering, preparation, and storage.
• Responsible for the care and appearance of agency property
• Maintain a clean, safe, and therapeutic program environment, which includes housekeeping responsibilities.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of all documentation for themselves and residence counselors.
• Attend treatment team and admission/discharge meetings. Attend other community meetings or events to maintain a collaborative, effective working relationship with other community agencies, organizations, groups, and/or individuals.
• Ensure that fire drills are conducted and documented. Follow other safety-related practices and events as required or mandated.
• Order, store, inventory, and use supplies in accordance with program needs and accountability procedures. Follow and supervise all medication procedures.
• Attend and complete all GMH or state-sponsored In-Service Training Programs related to position, program, or agency goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies:

• Ability to assume a leadership role in the Program Coordinator’s absence.

• Ability to engage residents through the development of a therapeutic relationship.
• Ability to deal with crisis situations and adapt to new or changing conditions.
• Ability to effectively utilize de-escalation strategies to support residents.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of wellness, recovery, coping skills, and relapse prevention strategies related to mental illness in general and physical wellness in particular.
• Demonstrated empathy and compassion in supporting residents.
• Ability to work as part of a team and participate in a group process of goal setting and problem solving.
• Advocacy for residents’ rights and access to community resources
• Knowledge of community resources and mental health services

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Achievement of residents' rehabilitation goals.
• Effective collaboration within the multidisciplinary team.
• Timely and accurate documentation of resident progress within established agency/program requirements.
• Participation in ongoing professional development activities.
• Compliance with ethical standards and regulations.

Requirements:

• A Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a human services-related field with 1 year of experience in human services; OR an Associate’s degree in a human services-related field and 4 years of experience in human services; OR a High School diploma and 6 years of experience in human services.
• Experience working with diverse populations recovering from mental illness.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture is required in Nanuet House.
• Valid Driver's License and driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• Maintain New York State Defensive Driving certification within 30 days of hire.
• Experience with EHR (Electronic Health Records).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems.
• Fluency in English (Reading, Writing, Speaking).
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.  
• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Special Considerations :

• Ability to use stairs (2 – 3 flights) within the residence.
• Occasionally, the employee will have to carry items up and down the stairs and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to intervene with residents’ behaviors.
• Must be able to conduct an evacuation of the facility in the event of an emergency.
• Position is scheduled 40 hours per week or less, which may include evenings and weekends.
• The Sr. Residence Counselor will remain on site, on-duty until relieved.
• Hours per week, reporting structure, and location are subject to change per program needs.

Mandated Reporter:

This is a Mandated Reporter position. The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a “custodian” under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter. You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report.

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.