IRU Counselor Aide

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Chicago, IL

13d•$17 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Counselor Aide supports the IRU (Intensive Residential Unit) to ensure its functions are effectively achieved and the unit is kept orderly at all times. This includes client management, assistance with written and oral communication pertaining to client records, and assisting clients with non-clinical needs. The backgrounds of the clients served by The Harbor Light Program will manifest a variety of inappropriate behaviors. When this occurs, employees are to respond within the context of the treatment environment of the site. Employee conduct (actions, dress, etc.) and interactions (conversations, written communications, etc.) with clients must also be within the treatment environment of the facility.

Requirements

Must be able to read and write.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Able to work as a team member and well with others.
Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in light of changing job situations/priorities.
At least one year of sobriety required.
A commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation of faith-based service organizations.
Must be able to work with clients that have poor social skills, suffer from mental illness, and have substance abuse problems.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise the unit during nights, weekends and holidays (according to his/her assigned shift and schedule) ensuring the policies and procedures are followed by IRU residents.
Monitor residents overnight for possible emergencies such as sudden illness, fire, or other life-threatening situations.
Contact 911 in case of medical or fire emergency. If required evacuate residents according to the disaster plan of the unit. Contact the Resident Manager and the Unit Coordinator immediately after the evacuation is complete.
Contact the police if serious violence occurs between residents for any reason.
Do not permit the residents to leave the unit during off hours or permit outsiders to enter the unit except the security personnel of Harbor Light.
Enforce the schedule of “Lights Out,” “Quite Hours,” “Wake-Up Time,” “Breakfast Time,” etc. as explained in the house rules and unit manual.
Maintain the night log with incident reports submitted to the Unit Coordinator.
Work with residents to schedule activities during weekends and holidays.
Attend staff meetings and all staff development programs.
May be scheduled to work any shift and weekends periodically by the Unit Coordinator and has agreed to such an arrangement.
Cases assigned as needed.
All other duties as assigned.