Residential Counselor, 1st Shift

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR

Residential Counselor 

CLOSING DATE:         Until Filled

REV:                            03/01/2025

POST:                          09/18/2025

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.

ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools.  There is also much to do in West Hartford.  There is a wide array of parks and recreation.  There are pools and hiking trails.  There are historic sites to visit as well.  If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.

Position:                                 Residential Counselor

Department:                           PACES/Core

Supervisor:                             Dean of Students/Student Support Services Coordinator

Description:                            12 Months – Benefits Eligible

Union or NCB:                        Union

SCOPE OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Associate Director if Student Life, Dean of Students, and/or Coordinator of Student Support Services, the Residential Counselor is responsible for the supervision of children and adolescents during school and/or out-of-school hours and the assumption of other responsibilities as needed.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Responsible for the supervision of deaf and hard of hearing children and youth with special needs to include mental health and traumatic backgrounds as well as autism during in or out-of-school hours, including meals.
• Planning and carrying out activities designed to promote personal and social growth. 
• Responsible for encouraging students to maintain good personal hygiene and attire, including bathing and feeding.
• Assist students with mobility.
• Encourage students to engage in extra-curricular activities. 
• Implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS).
• Participation in planning and staff conferences with academic and residential staff.
• Participation in staff training and in-service activities, including Physical/Psychological Management Training (PMT), Trauma Informed Care (TIC), CPR, First Aide, OSHA and other applicable workshops.
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds on a regular and frequent basis.
• Responsible for reports and daily logs.
• Works cooperatively with all teachers, residential staff and support staff.
• Must be able to communicate with students using American Sign Language.
• Other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.        
• Ability to anticipate potential issues and re-direct or de-escalate behavior. 
• Demonstrates good judgment, dependability. 
• Proficient with writing reports.
• Ability to resolve conflict.
• Ability to manage crisis situation.
• Demonstrates high levels of patience, empathy, and respect.
• Demonstrates an understanding of cultural diversity and embeds that knowledge into practice.
• High School graduate. Minimum recommended age 23.
• Prior experience in working with children and youth with mental health and traumatic backgrounds in a residential setting preferred.
• Knowledge of behavior management techniques is desirable.
• PMT/CPR Certification or willingness to secure.
• Ability or willingness to learn to communicate effectively using American Sign Language (ASL).  

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Compensation range is based on experience and available upon request
• Outstanding benefits package including Retirement 403B with generous school matching, group health insurance, and other fringe benefits. 
• $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service

ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department. 

The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).     

All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.