Residential Counselor

The Residential Support Staff member plays a vital role in supporting individuals with mental health and co-occurring disorders in a supervised residential setting. This position focuses on recovery-oriented, culturally competent, and person-centered services that promote resident well-being, community integration, and independent living skills. Staff provide emotional support, skill-building, rehabilitation services, and ensure the health and safety of all residents while respecting individual dignity and self-esteem.

The position is part-time, 24 hours per week, with a set schedule that includes Saturday from 3:00 PM–11:00 PM and 11:00 PM–7:00 AM, and Monday from 11:00 PM–7:00 AM.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily operations of the residential program.
• Utilize required assessment tools to evaluate residents’ functioning, mental health status, needs, preferences, and service appropriateness.
• Assist residents with implementing individualized recovery plans and coordinate planning with treatment teams and natural supports.
• Conduct regular reviews of recovery plans and modify goals as needed.
• Demonstrate working knowledge and basic competency in serving individuals with co-occurring disorders.
• Ensure appropriate referrals and linkages to mental health services, vocational, educational, psychosocial, medical, and community resources; provide advocacy as appropriate.
• Support residents in developing independent living skills, including:
  • Personal hygiene
  • Meal planning and cooking
  • Housekeeping and cleaning
  • Money management
• Provide rehabilitation interventions and facilitate rehabilitation groups as outlined in recovery plans.
• Supervise and support residents with self-medication protocols, following agency and regulatory standards.
• Provide crisis assessment and intervention, utilizing clinical and emergency support as needed.
• Communicate effectively with hospitals, emergency rooms, and emergency personnel during crises.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including:
  • Communication logs
  • Progress and encounter notes
  • Case records (paper and electronic)
• Enter daily service activities into required databases, ensuring data accuracy.
• Complete duties in compliance with agency performance standards.
• Attend required trainings, workshops, seminars, and professional development activities.
• Overnight staff must remain awake and alert at all times; primary responsibility is resident safety and well-being.
• Complete assigned cleaning tasks and paperwork during third shift as needed.
• Use personal vehicle for company business and client transportation when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with mental health diagnoses and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and respect for resident dignity.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and acceptable driving record required.
• Must meet agency and regulatory background clearance requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of college education (human services or behavioral science preferred) or High School Diploma or Equivalent and 2-4 years direct care direct care work experience.
• Must have working knowledge of computer applications, and if applicable ability to navigate through electronic health record
• Must have and maintain a valid CT drivers license if relocated to CT as a state resident more than 30 days ago. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable at a reasonable rate under the Organizations auto insurance plan.

Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification