Residential Adult Counselor - Relief

Transitions Mental Health Asso•San Luis Obispo, CA

3d•$22 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Adult Counselor (RAC) works in the Adult Transitional Program, a trauma-aware transitional housing program in downtown San Luis Obispo that provides 24/7 support to adults with mental illness in a home-like setting for up to 12 residents. The position provides comprehensive, supportive care grounded in trauma-informed practices, including safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment. Counselors build trust-based relationships and help residents establish healthy routines, develop communication and independent living skills, and build community support networks as they transition toward stable independent housing. RACs model safe and healthy connections, act with integrity and transparency, meet residents in a nonjudgmental and encouraging manner, and teach coping tools to help reduce mental health symptoms. They support residents in increasing independent functioning and personal responsibility, including cooking, cleaning, budgeting, medication management, and appointment tracking. The role also offers opportunities to lead recovery-oriented outings and activities. This is a relief, non-exempt position with no guaranteed hours, covering staff vacations and sick time. Shifts may be scheduled in advance or on short notice. Because the program operates 24/7, shifts may include days, weekends, holidays, and overnights; some holiday work is expected. Schedules may be flexible. Typical day shifts are 8 a.m.–4 p.m. or 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; overnight shifts are 4 p.m.–8 a.m., with sleeping hours from midnight to 6 a.m. Anticipated hiring pay is $22.00 per hour, with a full salary schedule of $22.00–$27.81 per hour. The position includes paid sick time and other employee perks. Transitions–Mental Health Association is a nonprofit agency providing mental health services and support to individuals and families. Its mission is to eliminate stigma and promote recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community, and family support services.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must work in person and have face-to-face contact with residents during every shift.
Strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative work style, and strong oral, written, and communication skills.
Well-defined organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and flexibly.
Ability to handle intense situations, exercise good judgment and decision-making, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure.
Ability to work effectively with people of varied ages, identities, backgrounds, and socioeconomic levels.
Ability to maintain good physical and mental health.
Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful workplace attitude.
Willingness to work with supervisor oversight and direction.
Reliable attendance and ability to perform face-to-face work with clients and/or employees.
Ability to promote equality, respect diversity, and deliver culturally responsive services; knowledge of dimensions of diversity, including mental health, gender, race, and ethnicity.
Use reasonable precautions and follow applicable safety rules to help ensure the safety of oneself, coworkers, clients, and others contacted through TMHA business.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must possess a valid California driver’s license, at least two years of driving experience, and a DMV record meeting TMHA’s current vehicle insurance requirements; may need to use a reliable personal vehicle and auto insurance.
Must complete a TB assessment, and possibly a TB test to confirm a negative result, and obtain criminal record clearance through fingerprinting.
Must complete a pre-employment physical.
Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of one year of full-time experience working in a program serving people with co-occurring mental health disorders is preferred.

Responsibilities

Recognize psychiatric crises or emotional distress, assess and de-escalate crisis situations, and teach coping, anger management, and conflict resolution skills.
Help residents develop social, vocational, independent living, and life management skills, including nutrition, menu planning, meal preparation, shopping, budgeting, housecleaning, and personal hygiene.
Encourage and facilitate residents’ access to community resources, support systems, services, and opportunities; coordinate recreational activities.
Promote trauma-informed practices and use TMHA’s Collaborative Communication Guidelines to support clear, empathetic, person-centered communication.
Issue and monitor medication, including reminding residents to take medication and recognizing symptoms and side effects.
Assist with developing treatment plans, goals, appraisals, needs, and services; support residents in defining and pursuing their own goals and fostering independence.
Maintain the orderliness and upkeep of the facility, including general maintenance and repairs as needed.
Complete program paperwork, including plans and goals, resident files, medication logs, progress notes, treatment summaries, time sheets, petty cash, grocery scrip, and inventory forms.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and complete required in-service training.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager or Assistant Program Manager.