Residential Treatment Counselor-Mercy

Catholic Charities of Baltimore•Lutherville Timonium, MD

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Baltimore, St. Vincent Villa, is seeking Residential Treatment Counselors to provide treatment, care, and assistance to children ages 5–13 in a residential behavioral healthcare program. Counselors supervise and assist children with daily living activities; implement the agency’s CARE philosophy, approved behavioral interventions and support system, and Individual Treatment Plans; support recreational and educational opportunities; and maintain the therapeutic structure and organization of the unit. St. Vincent Villa provides residential treatment for children whose behavioral and emotional needs have not responded to community-based interventions and services. The schedule is a weekend combination of 6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. or 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., for 20 hours per week. TCI training is provided within two months of hire, and CARE training is provided within three months. Driving an agency and/or personal vehicle is required. For Genesis Unit positions, RCYCP certification is required within six months of employment.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Use the CARE model to guide interactions and support for children, families, and colleagues.
Ability to relate responsively, tolerantly, and insightfully to children with severe emotional disabilities.
Effective oral and written communication with teachers, families, unit staff, therapists, and others.
Ability to accurately assess and document information in logs, incident reports, and Behavior Management documents.
Active listening skills when interacting with staff and children.
Ability to assess problem situations and apply the most effective, least restrictive intervention within established therapeutic goals.
Ability to respond quickly and supportively with therapeutic judgment in crisis situations.
Ability to function as a member of a therapeutic treatment team.
Ability or willingness to learn the computer systems and software needed for the role, including basic computer use, web browsing, online training, and email.
For RTC I: one year of experience working with children or special populations.
For RTC II: 18 months of experience working with children or special populations, or at least six months of internal experience as a Residential Treatment Counselor.
For Senior RTC: at least two years of experience working with children or special populations.
For driving duties: be at least 21 years old, have at least two years of driving experience, hold a valid driver’s license issued by the state of residence, have no state-issued license restrictions that impede required driving, and have no more than three points on the driving record.
For Genesis Unit positions: obtain RCYCP certification within six months of employment.

Responsibilities

Supervise and assist children with daily living activities to support physical care, emotional nurturance, and a safe, protected environment.
Serve as a positive role model and engage children in activities that teach and reinforce respect, responsibility, and age-appropriate social interactions and behaviors.
Escort children within and between buildings and to and from appointments, maintaining adequate supervision.
Use sound therapeutic judgment to maintain the safety, order, and structure of the unit’s therapeutic milieu.
Communicate therapeutically with residents in consideration of their diagnoses, ages, developmental levels, strengths, and weaknesses.
Assess behavior, affect, mood, and verbal and non-verbal communication, and adjust schedules, routines, and activities as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
For specified RTC roles, purchase clothing and unit supplies as assigned and maintain fiscal responsibility, documentation, and compliance with agency purchasing procedures or guidelines.
For RTC II roles, serve as Lead Staff when assigned, guiding and supporting team members and overseeing safe operations and adherence to program standards.
For Senior RTC roles, serve as Lead Staff and Building Supervisor as needed, providing shift oversight, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting staff, and maintaining safe and effective program operations.
Drive an agency and/or personal vehicle as required.