Residential Counselor, 1st Shift

American School for the Deaf•W. Hartford, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The American School for the Deaf is hiring a Residential Counselor in its PACES/Core department. This 12-month, benefits-eligible union position supervises deaf and hard of hearing children and youth, including students with special needs such as mental health and traumatic backgrounds and autism, during school and/or out-of-school hours, including meals. The counselor plans and carries out activities that promote personal and social growth, supports students with personal care and mobility, encourages extracurricular participation, and implements Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS). The role also includes maintaining reports and daily logs, collaborating with teachers and residential and support staff, participating in planning conferences and staff training, and performing other related duties as assigned. The counselor must be able to communicate with students using American Sign Language or be willing to learn. The position requires regularly and frequently lifting up to 60 pounds. Compensation is based on experience and available upon request, according to the union pay scale. The school offers an outstanding benefits package and a $1,000 sign-on bonus after one year of service; the bonus does not apply to rehires.

Requirements

High school graduate.
Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.
Ability to anticipate potential issues and redirect or de-escalate behavior.
Good judgment and dependability.
Proficient report writing skills.
Ability to resolve conflict and manage crisis situations.
Patience, empathy, and respect.
Understanding of cultural diversity and ability to apply that knowledge in practice.
Must be able to lift 60 pounds on a regular and frequent basis.
Ability to communicate with students using American Sign Language, or willingness to learn.
PMT/CPR certification or willingness to obtain it.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with children and youth with mental health and traumatic backgrounds in a residential setting is preferred.
Knowledge of behavior management techniques is desirable.
Minimum recommended age of 23.

Responsibilities

Supervise deaf and hard of hearing children and youth with special needs, including mental health and traumatic backgrounds and autism, during school and/or out-of-school hours, including meals.
Plan and carry out activities designed to promote students’ personal and social growth.
Encourage students to maintain good personal hygiene and attire, including bathing and feeding.
Assist students with mobility.
Encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities.
Implement Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS).
Participate in planning and staff conferences with academic and residential staff.
Participate in staff training and in-service activities, including PMT, Trauma Informed Care, CPR, First Aid, OSHA, and other applicable workshops.
Prepare reports and daily logs.
Work cooperatively with teachers, residential staff, and support staff.
Perform other related duties as assigned.