Residential Mental Health Counselor -FT

Monte Nido & Affiliates•Dedham, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Walden Behavioral Care is hiring a full-time Mental Health Counselor at its Dedham, Massachusetts residential program. The counselor provides direct care to adolescent and adult residents under the supervision of clinical staff and the program director. The facility provides 24-hour care. The role includes rotating weekends and day/evening shifts: 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m. Pay is $19.00–$23.00 per hour, depending on education and experience. The counselor helps maintain a safe, therapeutic environment; supports residents through admissions and daily activities; observes and documents resident care; assists with meals and snacks; participates in and helps facilitate groups; and communicates with residents’ treatment teams. The role also includes completing assigned calls, resident weigh-ins, risk assessments, and safety documentation. Walden Behavioral Care is a specialty healthcare system focused on eating-disorder care, with 14 locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Georgia and more than 450 employees. The organization states that it is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Requirements

High school diploma.
CPR certification.
Knowledge of psychiatric group processes, therapeutic relationship processes, age-specific growth and development, limit setting, behavior management, and crisis management involving aggressive behaviors.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Attention to detail and ability to prioritize independently.
Ability to multitask in a changing, fast-paced mental health environment.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide a safe and therapeutic milieu by monitoring residents and redirecting them as needed.
Assist residents through admission, including bag searches, required paperwork, and orientation to the unit.
Establish therapeutic relationships and provide resident care consistent with Walden policies, philosophies, and objectives.
Observe residents and accurately and thoroughly document daily resident care.
Supervise breakfast, lunch, and snacks and redirect residents as needed.
Prepare adolescent snacks precisely and supervise and guide adult residents in preparation.
Participate in community meetings, group therapies, education, and social activities on the unit.
Help facilitate group therapy sessions, including DBT, CBT, and body image groups.
Communicate appropriately and effectively with residents’ treatment teams to support quality care.
Conduct daily resident weigh-ins.
Complete call assignments as designated by clinical staff.
Administer Columbia risk assessments, monitor resident safety, and complete safety documentation.
Model therapeutic eating habits by completing provided program meals and snacks during the shift, in alignment with the company’s nutrition philosophy.