Resid Counselor-RC1

Northern Rivers Family of Services•City of Schenectady, NY

8d•$24 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Youth Counselor provides daily therapeutic care and programming for elementary-aged children, in accordance with agency policies and requirements of governing bodies such as DSS, OMH, and JCAHO. The position is on-site at the Albany campus and reports to the Residential Supervisor. The role may be designated RC1, RC2, or RC3, with higher levels carrying additional responsibilities. Counselors provide for clients’ physical and psychological needs, including safety, hygiene, clothing, food, cooking, and medical care, while maintaining a reliable and nurturing environment. They follow individual plans and safety expectations, engage youth in developmentally appropriate activities, support established routines and therapeutic plans, and document work according to programmatic and regulatory standards. The position also involves completing required training, working collaboratively with colleagues and support staff, communicating with families and external partners, and transporting clients for essential needs. RC2 responsibilities additionally include facilitating groups or coached visitation, applying relevant curricula and practice models, taking leadership responsibilities for a dorm or cottage, and building positive relationships with more challenging youth and families. RC3 responsibilities additionally include critical thinking and sound judgment about program needs and routines, and leading, delegating, and planning work for team members.

Requirements

Must be at least 20 years old.
High school diploma or GED required.
Experience working with an emotionally disturbed population.
Valid, clean driver’s license required.
Must pass a physical.
Must be able to complete TCI training.
RC2: At least six months of related experience required, with demonstrated competency in Level 1 essential job duties.
RC3: At least one year of related experience required, with demonstrated competency in Level 2 essential job responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

RC1: Experience with an emotionally disturbed population is preferred.
RC2: One year of related experience is desired.
RC3: Two years or more of related experience is desired.

Responsibilities

Provide for clients’ physical and psychological needs, including physical safety, hygiene, clothing, food, cooking, and medical care, and provide a reliable, nurturing environment.
For 1:1 assignments, follow the youth’s 1:1 expectations plan, ICMP, and any applicable safety plans.
Engage youth in age-appropriate activities and conversation at an appropriate developmental level.
Document a written summary of each shift.
Learn the history and specific issues of youth receiving 1:1 support and learn how to safely manage crises.
Seek and obtain training specific to the needs of youth receiving 1:1 support.
Transport 1:1 clients for medical, mental health, and other essential needs.
Work within a trauma-informed framework, including identifying and using coping and safety plans, maintaining consistency and routine, and managing one’s own responses to youth.
Engage with youth served and form positive relationships with them.
Complete mandatory training according to program guidelines and demonstrate basic competency in TCI techniques.
Follow program routines, youth therapeutic plans, program rules, and protocols.
Work as part of a team with residential counselors, clinicians, on-call staff, supervisors, and administrative and functional support staff.
Maintain respectful and appropriate communication with internal and external customers, including county workers, medical staff, and parents.
Complete and maintain documentation to meet programmatic and regulatory standards.
Transport clients for medical, mental health, and other essential needs.
For RC2, facilitate groups or coached visitation and apply relevant curriculum and practice models, such as DBT and SAY.
For RC2, take specific leadership responsibilities for a dorm or cottage, coordinate activities, and participate in program-wide committees.
For RC2, take a lead role in a team and form positive relationships with more challenging youth and families.
For RC3, apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to residential program needs.
For RC3, exercise sound judgment and decision-making regarding program routines, youth therapeutic plans, rules, and protocols.
For RC3, lead, delegate, and plan work for other team members.