Resident Counselor - Behavioral Care Center

Mental Health Cooperative•Nashville, TN

19d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is based out of an inpatient detention facility. Assist consumers with on-site problem solving, development and implementation of plans to meet immediate and/or long-term needs while in emergency psychiatric services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in health-related field of counseling, psychology, or social work preferred
Bachelor’s degree in a non-health related field will be considered
Or at least 5 years of experience in a health-related setting
Valid Tennessee Driver’s License
Acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
Acceptable Criminal Background Investigation
Internal and external customer service indicative of mutual respect and trust
Effective written and verbal communication
Ability to prioritize, remain calm and focused when dealing with consumer crisis
Remain flexible and demonstrate positive attitude to respond to changing needs

Responsibilities

Actively engage consumers during his/her stay to effectively intervene and problem-solve during a crisis episode.
Maintain continuous and consistent contact with consumers while admitted to Treatment programs.
Complete all required paperwork by the end of each shift.
When appropriate, advocate for consumer’s needs: (a) Social Security benefits, representative payee, financial assistance; (b) TennCare; (c) Food Stamps; (d) Housing; (e) Set appropriate appointments, i.e., psychiatric, medical, dental, therapy; (f) Assist consumer in referrals to alcohol and other drug treatment, and (g) Transportation.
Assist consumers in understanding their psychiatric diagnosis and medication.
Communicate with and support consumers during his/her crisis episode to seek resolution to his/her crisis and reintegrate into his/her primary support systems.
Maintain a safe therapeutic environment free of sharps and other potentially harmful objects.
Search personal belongings of each consumer entering Treatment programs.
Discuss precipitating events and possible alternatives with each consumer.
Monitor consumer’s behavior, level of cooperation, and ability to remain safe while in Treatment programs.
Assist consumer with finding community resources.
Facilitate consumer groups as needed.
Complete regular safety checks on each consumer.
Use de-escalation skills with consumers to avoid any potential problems.
Provide consumers with needed supplies (food, toiletries, etc).
Participate in cross-training in all EPS Treatment programs.
Work collaboratively with MCRT staff.
Make Customer Service a priority with internal and external customers.
Communicate effectively with staff, supervisors, and consumers.
Demonstrate proficiency in taking vital signs.
Assist nursing with UDS, obtaining and interpretation.
Assists with organizing supplies as needed.
Maintain flexibility in the workplace.
Attend team meetings, supervision, and training as required.
Reports all maintenance/facility issues to Supervisor.
Follow Universal Precautions policies and procedures.