Senior Direct Care Counselor

Reports to: Clinical Program Director/Clinical Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

The Senior Direct Care Counselor will implement the mission of the Mental Health Division. Will provide all residential services to clients and perform, coordinate and/ or monitor designated programmatic administrative or clinical functions.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and document PSTPs and reviews, outlining rehabilitative goals and interventions, which reflect program participant preference and meet DMH and Agency standards.
• Participate in the development of the ISP and attend other treatment meetings.
• Document monthly progress notes.
• Provide crisis intervention (which may include SOLVE techniques) and access emergency services as needed.
• Perform interventions with clients that address their identified goals and result in skill development.
• rovide linkage with other program staff and other service providers.
• Communicate program participant's progress, mental status, and any changes in daily notes.
• Participate in core trainings and maintain certification of required trainings.
• Provide support and supervision to clients.
• Participate in or facilitate group work as delegated by Supervisor.
• Attendance at supervision and staff meetings.
• Identify and address community integration issues for clients on caseload or as designated.
• Monitor and document medication administration.
• Follow division, and program policies and procedures and perform duties in manner consistent with those policies and procedures.
• Perform, coordinate, and/or monitor a range of programmatic administrative functions as delegated by Supervisor.
• Perform, coordinate, and/or monitor a range of programmatic clinical responsibilities as delegated by Supervisor.
• Supervise overnight staff if delegated by Supervisor.
• Provide coordination and leadership to program team during shift, in the absence of Supervisor.
• Provide coordination and leadership, as designated, to program team during Supervisor's vacations or sick leave.
• Ensure a clean, safe and home-like living environment for clients.
• Remain alert at all times throughout scheduled workday.
• Ensure clients are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates' Human Rights Policy.
• Perform all duties in accordance with the agency's policies and procedures.
• Strictly follow all agency Performance Standards.

Please note: The essential functions listed in this section are not limited only to the tasks listed and may include other duties as assigned.

Qualification/Education/Experience/Personal Characteristics:

• BA/BS in related field and 1yr experience; or H.S. Diploma/GED and 2yrs related experience.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Ability to work well with staff team and provide leadership to that team, as delegated.

Job Classification: Senior Direct Care Counselor (continued)

• Must be organized, detail oriented and posses the ability to multitask.
• Must have basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to communicate effectively including in writing and use good judgment.
• Sensitivity to clients and ability to treat them with dignity and respect.
• Ability to read English and communicate effectively in the primary language of the program to which he/she is assigned.
• Must hold a valid driver's license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients.

Physical Demands:

General requirements: Full upper extremity range of motion, full lower extremity range of motion. Must be able to lift furniture and/or objects/persons weighing up to 50 lbs.

Continuous: Communication

Frequent: Standing, sitting, walking, and lifting

Occasional: Reaching with hands and arms, stooping and crouching