Residential Counselor

Elk Hill Farm Inc• Goochland, VA, US, VA

1h•$38,000 - $42,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Counselor participates as a team member in creating and maintaining a community-based group home environment that enables youth to develop and maintain positive changes in attitude, values, and behavior. The role provides childcare and support during shift coverage, helps youth meet goals outlined in their service plans, and works collaboratively with residents, families, agency workers, staff, and other stakeholders. Counselors may occasionally work at a group home other than their regularly assigned facility and perform other duties requested by the facility’s Residential Program Director.

Requirements

At least six months of experience working with children with mental health diagnoses, including children in residential care, juvenile corrections, or other clinical settings, is preferred.
Successful experience and demonstrated competence working with youth in a group home or other residential setting is preferred.
Be open to giving and receiving professional feedback.
Knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity and the effects of socioeconomic characteristics on youth; demonstrate sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
Knowledge of professional boundaries and ability to role model appropriate behavior to youth.
Working knowledge of group dynamics and a basic understanding of psychiatric diagnosis.
Ability to provide sound documentation during routine shift coverage.
Strong relationship skills with youth and professional colleagues, and ability to work effectively with treatment teams and internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to be flexible in work hours.
Ability and willingness to work toward QPPMH certification.
High-school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
Current certification in the facility’s Behavior Management Program and willingness and ability to apply those skills in day-to-day interactions with youth.
Current certifications in approved CPR/First Aid courses.
Valid certificate in an approved medication aide training class.
Maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record, preferred; employees without a valid license or approved driving record may not drive on behalf of Elk Hill.
Good physical health and current annual TB screening and other certifications.
Ability and willingness to physically perform all functions of the facility’s Behavior Management Program.
Ability to traverse inside and outside the property, including uneven terrain.
Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for periods of time, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

At least six months of experience working with children with mental health diagnoses, including in residential care, juvenile corrections, or other clinical settings.
Successful experience and demonstrated competence working with youth in a group home or other residential setting.
High-school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Responsibilities

Maintain a high standard of childcare during coverage and appropriately document each shift.
Oversee youths’ physical care and development of acceptable habits and attitudes; provide behavior support and intervention and help youth meet service-plan goals and objectives.
Serve as a positive example and build caring relationships with youth.
Model high personal and professional standards in interactions with residents, families, agency workers, and fellow staff.
Work toward annual personal, professional, and educational development goals.
Assist in training new personnel.
Organize, schedule, and facilitate group activities and community service projects.
Facilitate medication dispersal and medical visits.
Assist in constructing and implementing individual service plans for students.
Participate in ongoing supervision and staff development training.
Support constructive family contact and youth involvement in community activities as appropriate.
Periodically transport clients as needed or required.
Work at another group home from time to time if requested.
Perform other duties as requested by the facility’s Residential Program Director.