Paraprofessional Counselor (Per Diem)

GATEWAYS HOSPITAL & MENTAL HEALTH CENTER•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$26 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional Counselor is part of a multidisciplinary team providing support, supervision, and residential services to adults ages 18–59 diagnosed with chronic and persistent mental health disorders. The role monitors and reports client behavior and activities, identifies facility or security concerns, and supports clients in participating in treatment, following House Rules, and progressing toward discharge to lower levels of care. This is a per diem position, with hours scheduled based on operational needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Pass Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Community Care Licensing background clearances.
Valid California driver’s license.
TB clearance.
Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways’ insurance carrier.
Ability to work and relate effectively with a multidisciplinary treatment team, clients, and the public.
Ability to identify clients in distress and intervene in a timely, calm, and appropriate manner.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Ability to work independently, use good judgment, and remain calm in crisis situations.
Ability to work with adult clients.
Ability to use word-processing and spreadsheet computer programs.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries, follow policies and procedures, and reinforce compliance with facility House Rules and treatment expectations.
Ability to accept direction from supervisors and complete assigned tasks.
Ability to appropriately provide direction to clients.
Ability to implement crisis intervention techniques and basic counseling skills.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences or a related area.
One year of experience in mental health, social services, customer service, or another rehabilitative, recreational, or educational role; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Communicate with team members throughout the shift to ensure tasks are covered and offer assistance where needed.
Facilitate client transportation as needed, including assisting the treatment team with emergency transportation for psychiatric and medical emergencies.
Follow client and visitor sign-in and sign-out, contraband, and rounds protocols, and accurately complete required documentation.
Respond to incoming calls on evenings and weekends.
Conduct random security checks of premises and buildings at least hourly throughout the shift.
Conduct client rounds according to designated timeframes and monitoring protocols, and accurately document rounds.
Assist with weekly client room checks as directed by the Supervisor and complete and submit required documentation.
Report safety hazards, maintenance needs, and housekeeping needs to the Residential Manager.
Observe and record client behavior and activities, document observations in shift summaries, and report them during shift exchange.
Participate in shift exchange when on shift and immediately report unusual or concerning behavior or activities to a supervisor.
Prompt clients to complete activities of daily living, including hygiene and grooming, laundering clothing, and changing linens.
Prompt clients to follow schedules for medications, meals, groups, and other appointments or activities.
Monitor and support clients in taking prescribed psychotropic medications and accurately record emergency medications taken by residents.
Take, record, and report client vital signs when needed.
Participate in investigations of events requiring regulatory or internal agency reports.
Respond appropriately to emergencies or problematic situations, using notification procedures and contacting supervisors, staff, administration, or emergency services as appropriate.
Provide behavioral interventions, including crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation techniques.
Collaborate with the team to encourage treatment engagement, compliance with House Rules, and development of discharge goals.
Serve as a role model for clients in accordance with Gateways’ rules of conduct.
Attend Paraprofessional Counselor meetings, in-service trainings, and other scheduled meetings.
Maintain objective and professional relationships with clients.
Complete required training, including training on equipment such as AEDs, vital signs monitors, and panic alarms.
Perform other tasks within the employee’s scope of practice as directed.