Part-Time Congregate Residential Counselor

The Home for Little Wanderers•Boston, MA

8d•$18 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Home for Little Wanderers is seeking a Part-Time Residential Counselor for its Therapeutic After School Program (TASP) in Roslindale, MA. TASP is a clinically-focused, partial-day program serving youth aged 12 to 16. The program utilizes a strength-based, family-centered model to provide specialized and supportive services, often serving as an alternative to out-of-home placement for youth referred by the Department of Mental Health, Department of Children and Families, and other agencies. The interdisciplinary team works to ensure youth have positive after-school experiences by integrating therapeutic, recreational, educational, and family services to achieve individualized treatment plan goals. The Residential Counselor will work under the direction of a supervisor to provide a safe and secure environment for clients, implementing the program's mission, treatment philosophy, and policies in direct care and supervision. This role involves counseling, observation, behavioral training, outreach support, advocacy, and treatment to facilitate reunification and/or long-term out-of-home placement. Case management duties include supporting clients in leading emotionally and physically healthy lifestyles in preparation for long-term placement, which may include exercise and nutrition training, community integration, psycho-educational counseling, human rights advocacy, medical advocacy, medication administration, social and life-skills training, and educational/life planning.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
One year childcare experience in a residential setting with similar population of children
Computer literate, including Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer, with the ability to learn new software applications
May be required to operate a vehicle
May be required to have a valid driver’s license and a “satisfactory” driving record
If required to transport clients, must maintain the minimum amounts of liability insurance as required by The Home and/or other regulatory requirements and vehicle registration must be current

Responsibilities

Knowledge and application of program routines/ structure.
Maintain a general understanding of the population of clients with whom we work.
Foster healthy, appropriate relationships with our clients through daily interactions.
Develop an understanding of level system (cards, behavior contracts, etc.).
Supervise and coordinate activities of daily living for students, including hygiene, clothing, chores, and other activities.
Assist children with the transition from each scheduled activity.
Provide First Aid appropriately as needed.
Plan and participate in activities with clients/students on an individual and small group (less than 6) level in accordance with treatment plans and goals.
Teach age-appropriate life skills and social skills through modeling, counseling, and other techniques.
Participate in groups and activities designed to enhance growth and development.
Participate in off-campus recreational/educational activities.
Maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Manage living, dining, educational, recreational areas to provide a clean, organized environment for students.
Ensure adequate supervision of students through coordination of care with other staff.
Provide group and individual behavior support and intervention as trained, including the use of TCI appropriate physical restraint as necessary.
Coordinate medical and emergency situations with the supervisor.
Communicate through written and verbal means with other program staff on positive skills and accomplishments as well as difficult or challenging client issues.
Complete all assigned paperwork including time sheet, level card, goal/ level tracking, incident reporting, and 51A’s in a thorough and timely manner.
Attend trainings.
Participate in supervision meetings with supervisor.