Clubhouse Counselor

Vinfen•Harwich, MA

About The Position

The Clubhouse Counselor provides individual and group support to Clubhouse members. The counselor partners with members to assess needs and develop Action Plan goals that support life skills and self-determination across Clubhouse work areas, social activities, and community activities. Clubhouse Counselor II positions also provide specialized expertise and/or leadership in one or more work areas: Employment/Education (EE), Communication, Art, and Social Recreation (CASR), Intake, Orientation, Outreach, and Housing (IOOH), and/or Health, Wellness, and Life Skills (HWLS). The counselor serves as an advisor to members, supports their participation in meaningful work and Clubhouse activities, and promotes an empowering environment where members can make choices, advocate for themselves, take risks, and assume responsibility. The role involves coordinating with members, staff, community providers, resources, and employer partners; maintaining required program documentation; participating in staff meetings, training, supervision, events, and the upkeep of the Clubhouse; and providing coverage as needed. Occasional weekend, evening, and holiday coverage is required. Candidates need one to three years of experience in human services. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a relevant bachelor's degree is preferred. The position requires driving using a Vinfen van or personal vehicle, and requires physical activity including assisting clients with activities of daily living and lifting at least 25 pounds. CPR and First Aid must be completed within two weeks of hire, and Crisis Intervention/Staff Safety and Infectious Diseases training within six months. Clubhouse Counselor II Health and Wellness positions must complete training and pass the ServSafe exam within six months of hire. The stated pay range is $20.97 per hour.

Requirements

One to three years of experience in a human services field.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license presented at employment; at least 21 years of age; a valid U.S. driver's license held for at least six months; and ability to pass a driver's screening background check.
If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record, subject to annual checks.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, sit, reach, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways; remain stationary for up to 50% of the time as needed; and move around the facility.
Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift, and assist clients with tasks of daily living.
Ability to operate a computer and office equipment, including a calculator, copier, and printer.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives; required vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjusting focus.
For day-program or group-residence positions, ability to assist with routine living activities such as cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.
CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
Crisis Intervention/Staff Safety and Infectious Diseases training within six months of employment; other training as assigned.
Knowledge of participatory and collaborative skills, teaching, participatory planning techniques, and Clubhouse standards and practices.
Knowledge of Psychiatric Rehabilitation principles, values, and practices.
Strong organizational and writing skills.
Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices and documentation standards, and of different learning and communication styles.
Knowledge of empowerment, self-advocacy, and peer-support techniques.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team and to provide a positive role model for work and learning.
Knowledge of community resources, jobs, and educational opportunities.
Ability to work professionally and confidentially.
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
Knowledge of reasonable-accommodation law and advocacy techniques, crisis-intervention techniques, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in psychology, rehabilitation counseling, special education, or a related field.
For Clubhouse Counselor II positions, advanced training, experience, or professional credentials; in some cases, experience may substitute for academic training.
For Clubhouse Counselor II Health and Wellness positions, training and passing the ServSafe exam within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Serve as an advisor to Clubhouse members and assess, develop, and implement Action Plans with members in their chosen work area.
Promote a supportive and empowering environment in which members learn self-advocacy, make choices, take risks, and assume additional responsibilities.
Communicate and reinforce Clubhouse culture and philosophy with members, providers, community resources, and employer partners.
Partner with members and staff to develop, implement, and support Clubhouse policies and procedures.
Help members connect with other community services and resources.
Support members across all work areas by teaching, coaching, facilitating, assisting, modeling, and reinforcing skill development.
Provide meaningful work opportunities and encourage member participation in work-area activities; plan, implement, and evaluate work-area services when applicable.
Maintain member program records according to Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Clubhouse Documentation standards and support members in documenting Action Plan progress if they choose.
Attend relevant trainings and conferences and participate in staff meetings, training, and supervision.
Assist with orientation of new staff and members and maintain ongoing communication with supervisors and coworkers.
Help maintain the physical site and plan and participate in Clubhouse events.
Learn, enforce, and follow Clubhouse, divisional, and company policies and procedures.
Provide coverage and assistance for work units, on-site and off-site program activities, day-to-day program requirements, and general Clubhouse upkeep and maintenance.
Provide occasional weekend, evening, and holiday coverage.
For Clubhouse Counselor II positions, provide expertise and/or leadership in one or more designated Clubhouse work areas.
Perform other related duties as required.