Congregate Residential Counselor -Second Shift

When you join The Home for Little Wanderers, you join a team of professionals dedicated to creating better, brighter futures for kids.

For over 200 years, The Home for Little Wanderers has helped build stable lives and hopeful tomorrows for vulnerable children and their families.  To learn more about the incredible impact our employees have on the lives of children and families, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXedSArtYbg

The Home for Little Wanderers' Unity House is a community-based group home in Keene, NH, serving youth ages 14-18, who identify as members of the LGBTQ community. The program was the first of its kind in the Granite State, and offers a safe, supportive living environment with 24-hour staffing for up to eight youth, while they prepare for family reunification, independent living, secondary education paths and future self-sufficiency.

Position Description

Under the direction of supervisor, primarily responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for clients.  The Residential Counselor is expected to be knowledgeable of the program’s mission, treatment philosophy, and policies and procedures and to implement this understanding in their direct care and supervision of clients.

How You'll Be Making a Difference

• Knowledge and application of program routines/ structure. Maintain a general understanding of the population of clients with whom we work.
• Foster healthy, appropriate relationships with our clients through daily interactions.
• Develop an understanding of level system (cards, behavior contracts, etc.).
• Supervise and coordinate activities of daily living for students, including hygiene, clothing, chores, and other activities. Assist children with the transition from each scheduled activity.
• Provide First Aid appropriately as needed.
• May plan and participate in activities with clients/students on an individual and small group (less than 6) level in accordance with treatment plans and goals. Teach age appropriate life skills and social skills through modeling, counseling, and other techniques.  Participate in groups and activities designed to enhance growth and development.
• Participate in off campus recreational/educational activities.
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment. Manage living, dining, educational, recreational areas to provide a clean, organized environment for students.  Ensure adequate supervision of students through coordination of care with other staff.
• Provide group and individual behavior support and intervention as trained, including the use of TCI appropriate physical restraint as necessary. Coordinate medical and emergency situations with the supervisor.
• Communicate through written and verbal means with other program staff on positive skills and accomplishments as well as difficult or challenging client issues.
• Complete all assigned paperwork including time sheet, level card, goal/ level tracking, incident reporting, and 51A’s in a thorough and timely manner.
• Attend trainings.
• Participate in supervision meetings with supervisor.
• May be asked to prepare weekend meals.
• If required to transport clients, must maintain the minimum amounts of liability insurance as required by The Home and/or other regulatory requirements and vehicle registration must be current

What to Expect in the Role

• Passing the CORI/background check and having a valid ID
• Being physically active for an 8-10 hour shift
• Participating in verbal de-escalation and physical intervention with youth
• Multi-tasking in a changing and fast-paced treatment environment
• Receiving and implement feedback in the moment and through a structured supervision process
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekend shifts as required

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Child care experience in a residential setting with similar population of children preferred
• Computer literate, including Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer, with the ability to learn new software applications     

What The Home Can Offer You

In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance available
• Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days
• Extensive training to new staff
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• And more!

Valuing Diversity

We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.

Salary : $2,400