Residential Counselor

Sacramento Children's Home•Sacramento, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Cottage Supervisor and the work guidance and direction of the Lead Residential Counselor, the Residential Counselor is the primary caregiver to the children, providing leadership and supervision. The Residential Counselor ensures the safety and security of the children at all times working in coordination with the cottage team.

Requirements

A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required, AND A Bachelor’s degree in any field; or A valid Child Development Teaching Permit; or Completion of 12-semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, Foster and Kinship Care Education or Psychology; or A valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor, or Alcohol and Drug Counselor; or A valid Vocational Training certificate, credential, or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills (and at least 100 hours of experience working with children or adults as a mentor, athletic coach, teacher, vocational coach, tutor, counselor, caregiver within a residential setting or other relevant experience as determined by Community Care Licensing which can be obtained after hire); or Previous employment as a full-time employee or volunteer at a group home, short-term residential therapeutic center, or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year; or Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice system as a consumer, mentor, or caregiver, or life experience with children who have experienced high levels of trauma.
Driving is an essential function of this job. As such, employees in this position will be required to furnish their own vehicle to be used in the course of employment.
A valid driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage is also required.
Must be at least 21 years old.

Responsibilities

Ensure the safety of the residents at all times consistent with agency standards of supervision.
Assist the children in the performance of regular daily activities, including bed making, personal hygiene, room cleaning, and all other chores normally expected of children their ages.
Provide a caring, warm, consistent environment for the children through setting clear boundaries, supporting, encouraging, and giving verbal praise and acknowledgment to children for positive actions and decisions to help build self-esteem, age-appropriate interpersonal skills, positive thinking, problem-solving, proper language, coping skills, respect for others and self and brainstorming alternative, appropriate behaviors, etc.
Orient new residents to the campus program and ensure the bedroom area is safe, clean and in line with the welcoming plan for new residents.
Work closely and maintain consistent and appropriate communication with all other staff members as a part of a comprehensive treatment team.
Maintain discipline and group control at all times, reporting any unresolved conflicts to a supervisor in a timely manner.
Maintain and follow the daily structure, routines, and activities in a timely manner.
Pro-act and check in with the children frequently to prevent crisis situations.
After an incident has occurred, follow up and process with the child to prevent further crisis situations and complete any necessary documentation.
Use the Love and Logic approach and techniques in daily interaction with children.
Provide Trauma Informed Care by using knowledge of the effects of trauma on child development and behavior.
Use Crisis Management techniques including restraints, when necessary, as learned per Pro-Act to ensure the safety of staff and residents.
Prepare and serve attractive, well-balanced meals and snacks per the approved menu at the time indicated on the daily schedule.
Maintain a pleasant and cheerful mealtime atmosphere and dine with the children during mealtimes, modeling appropriate behavior and, table manners.
Ensure that children are properly dressed for various occasions and see that their clothing is appropriately cleaned and maintained.
Provide educational help when assisting the children with homework and respond to schools in regard to the resident’s behavioral problems as necessary.
Plan on grounds activities to help the children develop new skills and interests, as well as expanding existing ones.
Participate in the planning of off-grounds activities and take children on these and pre-scheduled outings.
Participate in and run community meetings.
Complete Advocate duties as assigned including interactions with the child and all documentation.
Distribute medication for residents’ self-administration, in accordance with Agency standards and procedures as assigned.
Provide transportation for children as directed by a supervisor in accordance with agency transport policy.
Clean and maintain cottages in an orderly condition in accordance with Title 22 regulations.
Complete written documentation per residential program requirements, and in compliance with agency policy and training.
Attend and participate in team meetings to be aware of and facilitate the development and application of Needs and Services treatment plans for each child.
Attend and utilize all training that is provided, in compliance with Community Care Licensing (CCL) requirements.
Ensure accurate recording of worked hours and notify a supervisor of any discrepancies in a timely manner and in accordance with agency guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.