Therapeutic Living Services, Inc. (TLS) is looking for enthusiastic compassionate individuals who have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills to provide support to our boarding home clients. We are looking for PRN (On-Call). Previous experience working with individuals with mental illness preferred. Starting pay $16.50. HS diploma or GED required. Must pass an Alcohol & Drug screening, background investigation, TB Test and have a valid driver’s license. Excellent benefit package for Full Time employees that includes free medical, dental and life insurance, and paid annual and sick leave. Complete an application online, or fill one out in-person at: Therapeutic Living Services, Inc. 5601 Domingo Rd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87108, or Fax: 505-268-9967. TLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

1. To ensure consumer’s safety. This is done through deescalating potentially volatile situations, doing security patrols of the facility, and checking in on residents periodically. Fire Drills are to be done in each house monthly so the staff will know how to respond in case of an actual emergency. In an emergency all residents are to be evacuated and the house thoroughly checked in less than 2 minutes. To ensure consumer’s safety Mental Health Workers must be alert and awake while on duty. Mental Health Worker also needs to attend activities with the consumers if possible.

2. To provide crisis intervention and emotional support for the group home residents as well as access to appropriate services when needed. This includes providing a calming influence and facilitating a resolution to the crisis. Appropriate services include the Crisis Line, or in the case of an emergency, connecting the consumer with the appropriate community care (therapist, doctor, hospital...)

3. To observe and record incidents on Communication Report Forms. This form is filled out to inform staff of any situation that is out of the ordinary or would be of significance to the TLS Clinical team. Incidents include positive or negative behaviors or observed physical changes. Communication Reports are turned into the House Supervisor by the next working day after the incident has occurred.

4. To observe and record major incidents and report them on Critical Incident Report Forms. These forms must be filled out and placed in the House Supervisor’s box before the end of your shift.

5. Assisting consumers with self-medication process. Observing and recording any side effects, disturbances in eating, sleeping, or other behavioral patterns. Counting and recording the number of medications of each consumer. Writing Medication Error Report forms when errors are discovered. All logs are read within the first hour of each shift and are initialed signifying that they have been read. Mental Health Workers are also required to call in medication refills and pick up medication.

6. To act as a model for the consumers. This includes dressing in a neat and clean fashion and presenting oneself in a professional manner at all times. Mental Health Workers should interact with consumers as much as they can on each shift. Part of modeling includes teaching consumers appropriate social skills by role-playing and communicating with individuals and groups about expressing their feelings and appropriate methods of bringing any disruptive or abusive social interaction to an immediate halt.

7. To work as Team Members with the Case Manager and the other members of the Clinical Team. This would include working on resolutions to any problems with consumers as well as assisting in maintaining consumer files. You may also be required to attend clinical staff meetings. This could also include providing in house groups or meetings. Mental Health workers may also be required to transport consumers during crisis situations or to appointments, but only when directed by your supervisor. On weekdays, Mental Health workers may also be required to transport clients to or from the Domingo office for PSR services.

8. To work with consumers in following Group Home policies and procedures. Each home’s policies vary slightly; but this would include helping consumers to understand curfews, requirements of the program such as attendance at PSR, and acceptable home behavior.

9. To assist with the cooking and cleaning of the Group Homes. This includes helping the consumers understand the importance of proper nutrition and enforcing the policies regarding consumer use of the kitchen. Staff members are asked to share meals with the consumers in order to model appropriate table manners. Cleaning duties include: mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms (bathtubs, showers, commodes, sinks...), cleaning the kitchen (oven/stove, refrigerators, cabinets, countertops...), vacuuming and dusting carpets and furniture; taking out the trash; and minor yard work (picking up trash, wiping down lawn furniture, keeping the yard clean and tidy). Mental Health Workers also track and purchase/order food and cleaning supplies for the residence.

10. To meet with the House Supervisor on a regular basis for supervision. This supervision includes attendance at all group home meetings and training sessions; communication regarding illness and/or vacations; performance strengths and weaknesses; and adherence to TLS policies and procedures.

11. To attend all required trainings. Each group home has a once-a-month training that is required for all workers to attend. There may be other training available throughout the year that you may also be required to attend. If staff has an excused absence from monthly training, they will be required to signify that the information was received and understood.

12. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.50 per hour

Schedule:

• On call

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person