Behavioral Health Counselor - CRMA Preferred

Position Overview: 

The Behavioral Health Residential Counselor works in a residential setting and provides direct care while assisting clients in acquiring and maintaining independence, socialization and adaptive skills necessary to reside successfully in the community. This position promotes a safe and healthy living environment and increases the capabilities of clients within the policies and procedures of the agency while ensuring the protection of individual rights.

Essential Job Functions:  

1. Provide for the care and supervision of clients while assisting and supervising activities of daily living (e.g. cooking, personal hygiene, transportation).  

1. Provide reinforcement of counseling and therapy activities 

1. Assist with medications, including preparing, dispersing, and recording medication in accordance with Maine DHHS Assisted Living regulations. 

1. Handle crisis situations, when necessary, as appropriate, which may include contacting the on-call person and/or taking or getting the client to the emergency room or crisis program. 

1. Provide rehabilitation; participate in program plan implementation and provide continuous instruction, supervision, training, and encouragement as outlined in client service plans. 

1. Advocate for client’s rights and assist in facilitating inclusion in community activities, use of natural supports, social interaction, participation in leisure activities and development of socially valued behaviors. 

1. Ensure preparation of meals and encourage client involvement with meal planning and preparation as indicated by client’s need. 

1. Maintain the facility in a safe and clean condition, carrying out minor household repairs and duties (e.g., shoveling a path to house, etc.) as needed and reporting repair needs in a timely manner. 

1. Complete all necessary and required documentation, such as of client rehabilitation goals and advise supervisor of any special needs or emergencies and recommend follow-up. 

1. Assist in securing and providing transportation as needed. This will include transporting clients using your vehicle. 

1. Maintain all required professional licenses and professional training, including MHRT1, and successfully complete other training required by regulation, funding source, or the agency. 

1. Maintains appropriate attendance per company policy. Attends and participates in the minimum required staff meetings each month, as well as required monthly supervision hours. 

1. Participate in and contribute to other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

Education, Experience and Qualifications: 

1. High School diploma required; college education in relevant discipline or experience working within the behavioral health field preferred. 

1. Knowledge of basic homemaking skills, understanding of community resources, implementation of individual training plans, and documentation of care preferred. 

1. Ability to self-motivate and initiate work independently. Willingness to engage with clients. 

1. Excellent communication skills, including active listening, written, oral and record-keeping skills. 

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. 

2. Valid driver’s license and transportation required. Employee must have a good driving record and at least 3 years driving experience to transport clients using their vehicle. 

3. Solid relationship building skills, with the ability to exhibit compassion and patience. 

1. Per state of Maine regulations, all behavioral health/disability services employees will be required to submit proof of immunization records upon employment. 

Salary : $19 - $21