Temporary Counselor-La Posada

Progress Foundation • San Francisco, CA

8d

About The Position

The Temporary Counselor provides support and assistance to clients at a Progress Foundation program housed in a multi-level facility. Under the supervision of an Assistant Director or Program Director, the Counselor advocates for and responds to clients’ treatment and rehabilitation needs. The role includes client intake and orientation, crisis response, treatment planning, case coordination, recordkeeping, medication monitoring, group facilitation, discharge planning, and support for daily program operations. Counselors also help maintain the physical plant, promote the social rehabilitation philosophy, and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies. The position requires the ability to work overnight shifts while remaining awake and alert. Some duties may be accommodated for people with disabilities covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a mental health-related field, or experience that may be substituted for the degree requirement depending on its nature and length.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with staff, clients, and other providers.
• Demonstrated good judgment and emotional stability, as determined by Progress Foundation.
• Ability to negotiate several flights of stairs multiple times during each work shift.
• Ability to lift and carry 20-pound packages multiple times during the work shift.
• Ongoing clearance with the California State Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, permitting direct contact with program clients.
• Maintain training certification and demonstrated ability to perform basic First Aid and CPR.
• Basic word-processing skills and ability to maintain the computer requirements of the City and County of San Francisco Community Behavioral Health Services.

Nice To Haves

• Specific experience in residential treatment and/or knowledge of social rehabilitation is preferred.
• At least one year of experience in a community mental health program is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with prospective clients and complete intake and discharge paperwork for assigned clients.
• Orient new clients to the program and facility, or enable another client to provide orientation when possible.
• Respond professionally and promptly to psychiatric or medical emergencies and provide crisis intervention.
• Assist clients in evacuating all floors during fires, earthquakes, or other emergencies.
• Develop treatment plans with client participation and support clients in carrying them out.
• Communicate with referral sources and treatment personnel inside and outside the agency about information relevant to client treatment.
• Maintain client progress records and participate in discharge planning to support transitions to the next level of care or the community.
• Lead or co-lead scheduled day or evening group sessions, house meetings, and other activities.
• Coordinate cases for assigned clients and relay clinical and house-status information during shift changes, meetings, and other appropriate times.
• Monitor and record client medications in accordance with program procedures.
• Participate in meal planning and preparation at designated intervals, encourage client involvement, and join clients for all meals.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, supervision, and case consultation meetings.
• Consult with the Assistant Director, Program Director, and Program Consultant on matters such as case review, medications, and group dynamics.
• Maintain the physical plant by investigating facility problems, performing minor cleaning, repairs, and household tasks, and reporting more serious maintenance issues promptly.
• Report suspected client abuse to the appropriate agencies in accordance with policy and law.
• Promote the social rehabilitation philosophy among program staff and clients.
• Work overnight shifts while awake and alert.
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations and agency policies and procedures, including the code of ethics.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Program Director.
• Inform the Assistant Director or Program Director of personal events or circumstances that may affect the ability to perform job responsibilities or meet minimum qualifications.
• When assigned or as appropriate, lead or participate in client outings and recreational activities, shop with clients for groceries and household items, drive clients to treatment-related destinations, and represent the program at programmatic or administrative meetings.

What This Job Offers