Adolescent Counselor (on call) - Mental Health 169

Telecare Corporation•San Leandro, CA

19d•$23 - $28

About The Position

Willow Rock is a 16-bed Psychiatric Health Facility in Alameda County serving adolescents ages 12–17 who are experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms. The Adolescent Counselor is a treatment team member responsible for meeting members’ physical and psychological needs through direct and indirect services consistent with Rehabilitation and Recovery principles. This is an on-call position, with shifts and days varying as needed. Expected starting pay is $23.00–$28.00 per hour, with shift differentials for evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and is subject to union membership requirements upon hire. Starting pay is commensurate with relevant experience above the minimum requirements. The counselor provides safe, effective direct care; supports assessment and treatment planning; maintains therapeutic relationships; monitors members’ safety and condition; documents care; and participates in team and community activities. The role may include admitting and discharging members, obtaining vital signs and weights, supporting meals and group outings, and assisting with restraint or evasion procedures as applicable to the program. Duties may be added, deleted, or changed at management’s discretion.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and two years of experience with psychiatric patients, preferably adolescents, in a mental health setting; or an associate degree and three years of experience; or six years of experience working directly with individuals in a mental health setting.
Equivalent experience providing direct care to adolescents with behavioral or learning issues, or experience in an educational or group home setting, may also qualify.
Belief in individuals’ ability to recover from disabling mental illness.
Knowledge of basic psychiatric rehabilitation interventions.
Good communication skills and a desire to work with people with mental illness.
At least 18 years of age.
Proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing English.
Negative TB screen.
CPR, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), and First Aid certifications by the date of employment or within 60 days of employment, maintained throughout employment.
Successful completion and acceptable results of the applicable post-offer physical examination, two-step PPD tuberculosis test, criminal background clearances, excluded party sanctions, and degree or license verification.
If driving is required, a valid driver’s license, motor vehicle clearance, and proof of auto insurance at employment, maintained throughout employment.
Additional regulatory, contractual, or local requirements may apply.

Nice To Haves

Experience with psychiatric adolescent clients or patients.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the Telecare mission, purpose, values, and beliefs in interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
Review admission documentation and assist with member reviews and assessment of care plans.
Recognize changes in members’ milieu and adapt caregiving methods as appropriate.
Implement direct care safely, effectively, and efficiently in accordance with policies, procedures, standards of care, CPI, and psychiatric rehabilitation principles.
Establish, maintain, and co-facilitate therapeutic relationships, serving as a positive and hopeful role model.
Attend and participate in community meetings, groups, multidisciplinary team meetings, and treatment-planning meetings.
Document activities of daily living, responses to interventions, and significant behavior changes; inform the Clinical Director of behavior and condition, especially changes in mental or physical condition.
Admit and discharge assigned members and complete associated documentation.
Contribute to whole-person treatment, including physical care; obtain vital signs and weights as assigned.
Monitor members’ safety, including through rounds and safe, appropriate seclusion and restraint supervision.
Demonstrate teamwork through cooperation and communication.
Practice body substance precautions.
Supervise and support members during meals and assist with meal setup as needed.
Apply CPI principles and techniques.
Participate in and assist members during group outings.
Promote and assist members in developing self-help skills.
Explain policies and procedures to members and their families.
Maintain cooperative working relationships and respond to coworkers with concern, promoting group morale.
Maintain effective and courteous working relationships with members and staff using appropriate interpersonal skills.
Protect the confidentiality of employee and member information.
Protect members from behavior that could harm themselves or others.
Apply nursing policies and procedures related to direct and indirect member care.
For inpatient programs, assist with restraint of members during assaultive behavior and pass assault crisis/crisis prevention training; for outpatient programs, evade members during assaultive behavior and pass the applicable training.