Counselor-LT532801

ICL•Brooklyn, NY

24d

About The Position

This is an entry-level direct care position assigned to community residences serving adults diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse disorder. Counselors provide support, instruction, and assistance to help residents develop skills to achieve personal goals and live, learn, work, and socialize successfully in community settings. The role also supports residents’ safety, care, treatment, education, socialization, habilitation, recovery, and well-being, and helps maintain a safe, clean environment. Counselors advocate for residents and support families and other caregivers. The position works assigned shifts to provide coverage for residences operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Counselors conduct safety and security checks, assist residents with daily living and personal care, explain available services and activities, document and report incidents and observations, and accompany residents to appointments and other destinations. They may also monitor medications, support meal preparation and housekeeping, and lead skills-development or activity groups. Regular attendance, participation in meetings and supervision, and completion of required training are expected. Availability to work beyond the normal schedule may be needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and one year of related human services experience.
Specialized training or education in human services may substitute for experience.
A New York State driver’s license may be required for some assignments.

Responsibilities

Inspect the facility and surrounding area during assigned shifts for resident safety, property accountability, cleanliness, and security, including assigned vehicles.
Ensure that only authorized individuals enter the residence.
Immediately report serious incidents, allegations, incidents, and sensitive situations to supervisors, and complete incident reports according to agency policy.
Explain available services, recreational activities, and programs to residents; instruct them in daily living, socialization, and conflict-resolution skills.
Carry out emergency plans under the assigned supervisor’s direction and follow policies for protecting residents, staff, and visitors, including those requiring emergency medical care.
Assist and instruct residents with personal hygiene, grooming, nutrition, and daily living, and ensure appropriate attire is available.
Review the staff communication log at the beginning of each shift and record security checks, crises, emergencies, incident reports, and other required information.
Observe the physical environment and perform housekeeping as needed to maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and healing environment.
Ensure food provided or selected is appropriate for residents on special diets.
Accompany residents to scheduled or emergency medical visits, social agencies, activities, government offices, and other treatment- or assistance-related locations.
Attend scheduled team and staff meetings and supervision, and complete required in-service training and staff development.
As assigned, monitor medications, make medication administration form entries in accordance with protocol, and assist residents on monitored medication regimes.
Assist clinical staff in accounting for residents and, as needed, assist with filing missing-person reports according to policy and procedure.
Observe residents’ behavior and responses to treatment, rehabilitation programs, support services, and medication; report observations orally or in writing, including computer entries, as instructed and according to audit standards.
As appropriate, lead skills-development or activity groups with individuals and families.
As assigned, assist and supervise residents in meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Comply with attendance rules and report to work as scheduled or required on a regular basis; be available to work beyond the normal schedule as needed.