Residential Counselor

City of Alexandria • Alexandria, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides residential services to individuals with serious mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders and/or developmental disabilities, completes assessments, provides information to develop service plans, and helps and trains residents in their daily living skills. The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED plus completion of post-high-school training/education pertaining to behavioral health, medical health, substance abuse and/or mental health
• At least one year of direct work experience with individuals served by the specific program where the position is located (Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, and/or Substance Abuse/Dependence)
• or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Employees in this class must possess a valid driver's license issued in the state of their residence.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a Bachelors’ degree in a human services field
• licensed as a Qualified Mental Health Professional – Adult (QMHP-A) or able to be a Qualified Mental Health Professional – Adult (QMHP-A) trainee by the time of hiring.
• At least one year of experience working with individuals suffering from mental illnesses and/or substance abuse disorder.

Responsibilities

• Complete all applicable assessment documents to develop individualized service plans; write weekly progress notes.
• Maintains clinical records following all applicable licensing and Medicaid regulations.
• Instructs and guides residents in the completion of tasks to ensure the development of skills and confidence, and monitors, evaluates and records resident’s performance through written progress notes.
• Monitors medication management of residents by observation and reporting medication concerns to treatment team and/or supervisor.
• Participates in treatment team meetings.
• Assist residents in planning recreational and educational activities.
• Identifies and responds to personal emergencies and crisis with referral to appropriate community resources and treatment team.
• Report all maintenance issues of the facility.
• Assist residents with grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and other ADL skill building.
• Provides transportation for residents using City Vehicles.
• Call the relief counselor telephone list to find coverage for your shift when using sick or annual leave.
• Performs related work as required.

Benefits

• The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED