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 as required by individual residents. The role focuses on monitoring facility safety and security, providing good customer service, and using sound judgment when managing crises. The counselor monitors video surveillance and conducts hourly building walk-throughs, documents significant activities, performs light maintenance and housekeeping, manages visitor sign-in, and conducts monthly fire drills. The role also includes assessing resident situations and using de-escalation techniques; promptly reporting and documenting crises, incidents, and emergencies; and ordering, supervising, and counting medication in accordance with policy where applicable. Additional duties include maintaining client records, writing progress notes and service plans when needed, conducting apartment inspections, supporting residents with daily living skills, escorting clients to community appointments, attending residential staff meetings, and remaining on site until relief staff arrive. The counselor follows applicable 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.
At least 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 and ability to assess and respond appropriately to situations, including de-escalating residents.
Ability to remain calm and focused in emergencies.
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

Monitor facility safety and security, including video surveillance and hourly building walk-throughs, and help ensure 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 show identification and sign in to the Visitor Log.
Conduct monthly fire drills.
Assess and respond to resident situations, using de-escalation techniques as appropriate.
Immediately report crises, incidents, and emergencies to the clinical staff on call, and document them promptly in the program log, incident reports, and applicable forms.
Order, supervise, and count medication in accordance with Licensed Housing Medication Policy and Procedures, where applicable.
Maintain accurate client case records, including progress notes and service plans when needed.
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 the 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.