Part-Time Front Desk Counselor

POSTGRADUATE CENTER FOR MENTAL HEAL•New York, NY

1d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Front Desk Counselor provides supportive counseling and crisis intervention to residents as needed. The role includes maintaining facility safety and security, providing customer service, and using sound judgment to manage crises. The counselor monitors video surveillance, conducts hourly building walk-throughs, documents significant activities, performs light maintenance and housekeeping, and manages visitor sign-in procedures and monthly fire drills. The counselor assesses and responds to resident situations, including using de-escalation techniques, and promptly reports and documents crises, incidents, and emergencies. Where applicable, the role includes ordering, supervising, and counting medication in accordance with policy. The counselor maintains client records, writes progress notes and service plans as needed, conducts apartment inspections, supports residents with daily living skills, and escorts clients to relevant community appointments. The position also participates in staff meetings, remains on site until relief staff arrive, follows personnel and residential policies, and performs other duties consistent with program goals as assigned by the Program Director or Regional Director for Residential Services.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum one year of experience working as a counselor in a residential, mental health, or related setting.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Foothold, AWARDS, and CPR/First Aid.
Strong customer service skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to residents.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to manage time effectively.
Good judgment.
Ability to appropriately assess and respond to situations, including de-escalating residents.
Ability to remain calm and focused in emergency situations.
Ability to work effectively with others and demonstrate conflict resolution skills.

Nice To Haves

College degree or two years of college in a mental health field desired.

Responsibilities

Provide supportive counseling and crisis intervention to residents as needed.
Monitor facility safety and security, including video surveillance and hourly building walk-throughs, to assess the physical environment and residents’ well-being.
Document significant building activities and events in the Communication Logbook.
Perform light maintenance and housekeeping, such as removing garbage, mopping spills, and shoveling snow.
Ensure resident visitors provide identification and sign in to the Visitor Log.
Conduct monthly fire drills.
Assess and respond to resident situations, including using de-escalation techniques.
Immediately report crises, untoward incidents, and emergencies to clinical staff on call, and document them promptly in the program log, incident reports, and other appropriate forms.
Where applicable, order, supervise, and count medication according to Licensed Housing Medication Policy and Procedures.
Maintain accurate client case records, including progress notes and service plans when needed and as required by PCMH policies and procedures.
Conduct apartment inspections and support clients with daily living skills.
Escort clients in the community to medical, benefit, or other pertinent appointments.
Participate in residential staff meetings.
Remain on site until relief staff arrive.
Follow the PCMH Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and Residential Policies and Procedures Manual.
Perform other duties consistent with program goals and objectives as assigned by the Program Director or Regional Director for Residential Services.