The Residential Counselors performs all a variety of duties which includes but is not limited to the following: provision of assistance in all areas of daily living, community integration, education, counseling and management of finances. The counselors provide emotional support and on-site integrated, goal-oriented, individualized services to assist program residents with developing and optimizing their strengths, skills, and available resources. The counselors demonstrate respect and empathy for the individual and consideration for his/her dignity and self-esteem while providing teaching and skill-building focused on developing independence while optimizing their quality of life.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily operation of the program including but not limited to items on the assignment sheet.
• Utilize all required assessment tools (e.g. LIST) to assess clients functionality and mental health status, needs and preference, and ongoing appropriateness of services.
• Assist clients in developing and implementing individual recovery plans. Coordinate recovery planning to include members of clients treatment team and clients natural supports. Conduct regular reviews of recovery plans (minimally every 3 months) and modify as needed.
• Demonstrate an ability to develop a basic level of competency for providing services to clients with co-occurring disorders.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention according to residential protocol - utilizing clinical and emergency back up as indicated. Communicate client needs with hospital emergency rooms and emergency personnel.
• Read/write in communication logs, /Shift Assignment Sheets, including hourly checks for 11:00pm-7:00am shift, and other departmental communication tools to ensure understanding and adherence to changes in clients recovery plans and/or client/programs needs or Read/respond to all emails, and forward all important communications to Program Manager, Director and Clinical Team Leader.
• Assist all program clients in the areas of health and safety and in the acquisition of independent living skills, including personal hygiene, meal planning, cooking, cleaning, and money management per findings of the LIST Assessment Tool.
• Ensure appropriate referrals and linkages are made to other parts of the agency and other community resources, including clinical, vocational, psychosocial, educational and natural supports. Provide advocacy as appropriate.
• Maintain and update, on paper or electronically, client case records with required encounter/progress notes documenting progress toward goals and objectives.
• Enter daily service activities into CDT as required and insure the data accuracy (primarily designated to overnight shift).
• Assist clients in the scheduling of personal appointments and accompany clients to appointments when necessary.
• Collaborate with nursing service who will administer clients medication
• Provide transportation as related to YAS events/programming.
• Attend mandatory quarterly staff meetings and scheduled supervision as required.
• Attends training sessions, workshops or seminars as requested by supervisor, or as needed for professional development.
• Staff is required to remain awake and alert at all times while at the residence.
• The primary responsibility of the overnight staff is to assure the safety and well-being of all residents.
• Staff will be responsible for some cleaning.

BHcare

Caring for our community through all stages of life.

Who We Are

BHcare is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that offers a comprehensive and integrated system of care with wrap-around services for adults, children and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other health-risk behaviors.

We employ a diverse and dedicated group of professionals that create and sustain programs to rebuild and change the lives of those who walk through our doors each day. We are devoted to helping our clients live to their full potential as happy, healthy and active members of our community.

Why BHcare?

Our culture and benefits are designed to promote your well-being and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits to full-time (30+ hours per week) employees:

• Flexible work schedule
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, personal and paid holidays)
• Health & Dental insurance
• Dependent care accounts
• Medical flexible spending accounts
• Paid family leave
• LTD & Disability coverage
• Life & AD&D
• Supplemental insurance including, Cancer, Accident and Critical Illness
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plans with 4% employer match
• Career advancement opportunities
• Employee referral program
• Staff events and activities

Qualifications

Two years of college education (human services or behavioral science preferred) or High School Diploma or Equivalent and 2 years direct care work experience in behavioral health residential care.

Must have and maintain a valid CT drivers license.