Assistant Counselor - Ithaca, NY (35200)

ST JOHNS COMMUNITY SERVICES•City of Ithaca, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

St. John's Community Services (SJCS) is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Counselor Assistant to join our residential treatment team at Serenity House in Ithaca, NY. Serenity House is a residential treatment program that supports individuals recovering from substance use disorders. In this role, you will provide person-centered support to residents, assist with daily program operations, including staff scheduling, training, supervision support, and maintaining a structured and supportive residential environment. The ideal candidate is passionate about helping others, committed to recovery-oriented care, and aligned with SJCS’s mission and values. This individual should be flexible, team-oriented, organized, and able to maintain professionalism in a fast-paced residential setting.

Requirements

Minimum High School Diploma or Equivalent
One or more years of relevant experience
CASAC-T/P certification or currently enrolled in a 350 Hour CASAC Educational Program with a scheduled completion of the program within 3 months of hire.
Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive care to diverse populations
Strong understanding of professional ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality requirements
Commitment to empowering residents to achieve individualized treatment and recovery goals
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while remaining flexible and proactive
Willingness to seek clarification, support, and feedback when needed
Ability to appropriately utilize crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe environment
Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, current treatment trends, and recovery culture
Familiarity with mental health first aid principles and behavioral health support strategies
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to complete timely, accurate, and professional documentation using electronic systems
Commitment to maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards in residential care services
Obtain a valid health certificate to meet current funding authority requirements as required.
Having a valid state-issued driver’s license with a current driving record in good standing is required.
Meet SJCS and the funding authority requirement of criminal background and record checks.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Responsibilities

Supporting residents in meeting the goals outlined in their treatment plans.
Prioritizing best practices in person-centered care concerning each resident’s individual dignity and integrity, including their unique goals.
Providing orderliness, cleanliness, and structure to the program’s day-to-day operations.
Developing, fostering, and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with residents, their families, and the SJCS team.
Scheduling residential staff for 24/7 coverage, facilitating and at times providing coverage when staff call-out.
Train, orient, and support incoming residential counselors and staff members.
Managing the coordination of health care appointments for residents (e.g. clinical testing, physical examinations) as required by OASAS.
Facilitating group sessions within credentialed scope of practice.
When needed supporting and/or providing coverage for counselors within credentialed scope of practice.
Works closely with program leadership to ensure compliance with applicable OASAS regulations.
Participates and supports the intake process from referral through admission.
Ensuring program and resident confidentiality.
Complete timely, accurate, and professional documentation using electronic systems.