RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR

Part Time Shifts Available

Sat, Sun 3pm-11pm

SCO Family of Services is currently seeking compassionate Residential Counselor to join our team in our Madonna Heights Morning Star programs. Our Morning star program provide a safe and structured environment for Women in recovery, while our Residential Counselors assist our clients in developing a drug and alcohol-free, self-supporting lifestyle.

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Shift Leadership & Resident Safety

· Run the residential shift and maintain program structure and routines.

· Ensure resident safety at all times through active supervision and monitoring.

· Respond to resident concerns, conflicts, and behavioral issues in a trauma-informed manner.

· Enforce house rules consistently, respectfully, and fairly.

· Escalate safety concerns, incidents, or compliance issues immediately to supervisory staff.

· Maintain a visible and active presence throughout the residence, including regular movement through common areas and resident spaces.

· Complete and document required childcare checks twice per shift, as applicable(MS2)

House Operations & Daily Structure

· Ensure the residence is clean, safe, and orderly.

· Monitor completion of assigned chores and upkeep of common and resident areas.

· Support consistent adherence to daily schedules and routines.

· Address environmental or behavioral issues that impact safety or program functioning.

Communication, Escalation & Shift Handoff

· Communicate relevant updates, concerns, and incidents to the Residential Coordinator or Program Supervisor.

· Read the communication book at the start of each shift and document as required.

· Complete log book entries each shift.

· Provide and receive clear verbal shift reports during staff handoff to ensure continuity of care.

· Review staff meeting minutes when unable to attend scheduled meetings.

Documentation & Electronic Health Record (EHR)

· Complete accurate and timely daily shift notes in the electronic health record (EHR).

· Document resident observations, incidents, significant interactions, and meetings facilitated during the shift.

· Document medication observation, toxicology screens, room checks, and searches in accordance with policy.

· Ensure all documentation is factual, objective, role-appropriate, and completed before the end of the shift.

Inventory, Medication Observation & Monitoring

· Complete controlled inventory at the beginning and end of each shift with a second staff member present.

· Report inventory discrepancies immediately.

· Observe residents self-administer medication in accordance with program policy.

· Ensure medication procedures are followed precisely and documented accurately.

Room Checks, Searches & Toxicology

· Conduct and document daily room checks.

· Complete bag searches in accordance with policy.

· Administer and document urine toxicology screens as assigned.

· Ensure all monitoring activities are conducted respectfully, consistently, and in compliance with program standards.

Meetings & Program Activities

· Facilitate or support assigned program meetings, including daily, weekly, or monthly house meetings.

· Document all meetings facilitated in the EHR.

· Support program activities as directed by supervisory staff.

Facility & Maintenance Support

· Identify and report maintenance or safety concerns during shifts.

· Complete or assist with work order submissions as directed.

· Escalate urgent facility or safety issues immediately.

Professional Standards & Accountability

· Maintain professional boundaries with residents at all times.

· Follow all SCO, MSC, and OASAS policies and procedures.

· Use trauma-informed, respectful communication.

· Participate in supervision, required training, and performance evaluations.

· Seek guidance and escalate concerns appropriately when unsure how to proceed.

Other Duties as Assigned

o Perform additional duties related to program operations, compliance, or service delivery as assigned by the Program Supervisor, consistent with the scope and level of the position

II. QUALIFICATIONS:

· High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.

· Experience working in residential, behavioral health, substance use, or human services settings preferred.

· Knowledge of trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented environments.

· Ability to maintain clear documentation and follow program procedures.

· Strong interpersonal, communication, and de-escalation skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

· Proficiency with electronic health records and basic Microsoft 365 applications preferred.

· Valid NYS Driver’s License and acceptable driving record, as applicable.

· Successful completion of required background checks and health clearances.

III. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & COMPENTENCIES

· Be team players.

· Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within our organization.

· Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.

· Ability to set limits and maintain helping role of practitioner and to intervene appropriately.

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS:

· On site role in a residential program.

· Shift – based schedule including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as assigned’

Benefits include:

Medical insurance, Vision and Dental (for FT staff), 100% agency paid life insurance, 403B retirement plan, generous PTO package, paid training, tuition reimbursement, discounts on phone services & more!!

SCO Family of Services is an equal employment opportunity employer.