Fill-in Sub Direct Care Counselor

Wheeler • Plainville, CT

1d • $21

About The Position

Wheeler's vision is that all people will have the opportunity to grow, change and live healthier, productive lives. Our mission is to provide equitable access to innovative care that improves health, recovery and growth at all stages of life. POSITION SUMMARY The Direct Care Counselor provides direct care services to the children in congregate care programs as part of an inter-disciplinary treatment team. The Direct Care Counselor (DCC) position pay is $21.00/hr, with opportunity for advancement to Senior DCC.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree with some related experience preferred or High School Diploma and two years experience in a related field.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills required.
• Valid Drivers License is required.
• Safely operates vehicle in the community, based on program needs

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates understanding of child and adolescent development and current trends.
• Communicates effectively with youth and staff, develops positive relationships, and maintains appropriate boundaries.
• Identifies potential risk factors and takes measures to reduce those risks in the milieu through appropriate supervision, reinforcement of positive and safe behaviors, trauma-informed and relationally-based therapeutic interventions, reporting of suspected child abuse/neglect, administering medication according to agency policies and procedures and maintaining required certifications.
• May serve as lead counselor on assigned shifts and ensure that all duties of shift are completed by shift staff or reported to leadership in a timely manner.
• May be assigned responsibilities necessary to ensure and document ongoing safe, effective, compliant functioning of program on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
• May take lead in training new staff on shift duties and associated responsibilities
• Trains and participates in emergency safety interventions authorized and approved by the agency, when a youth presents with an imminent safety concern.
• Interacts with and relates to youth in ways that support asset-building through praising youth, focusing on their strengths and helping them to take responsibility for their choices and behaviors.
• Adapts, facilitates, and evaluates age appropriate activities in an effort to assist youth in achieving their goals.
• Works as part of a team and shows professionalism.
• Respects and honors cultural and human diversity.
• Establishes positive relationships and maintains effective communication with co-workers, supervisors, and administrators, demonstrating the ability to accept constructive feedback and works to resolve conflicts.
• Works effectively and respectfully with families and guardians.
• Transports youth to appointments and activities.
• Attends staff meetings and demonstrates strong work ethic in terms of general performance as it relates to meeting the needs of youth in the program.
• Prepares nutritious and culturally diverse meals for children in the program and ensures that their daily care and developmental needs are met.
• Engages youth in developmentally appropriate life skill development activities.
• Maintains the home environment to ensure that it is safe and clean.
• Administers medication to youth according to agency policy and procedures.
• Continues to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture.

Benefits

• Access to wellness programs to support your physical and mental health
• 403(b) Plan, with contributions from the company
• Access training and development opportunities
• Access free and confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree