Resident Counselor

Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Day Shift

Description:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Establishes rapport and develops a therapeutic relationship with assigned clients. Consistently maintains and employs a therapeutic perspective/approach when dealing with clients, their children, visitors and staff. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries avoiding dual relationships.

• Participates in the admission process for all adult halfway house/residential care program residents utilizing a warm, compassionate and empathic manner to ensure that they feel welcome, appreciated, and understood. Orients new residents to program guidelines and expectations.

• Observes resident interactions, appropriately intervenes when behaviors are not consistent with expectations, and teaches/coaches/role models conflict resolution/problem-solving skills as a means for effectively managing differences.

• Facilitates Life Skills groups teaching essential skills necessary for independent living. On a daily basis models and mentors residents and their children on basic living tasks.

• Provides education and treatment supports in connection with identified clinical initiatives and interventions in the areas of: substance use disorders; daily living skills; parenting; self-sufficiency; behavioral/mental health; and, relationships.

• Consults and reviews complex situations with the treatment team as they occur. Utilizes knowledge/skills of intervention approaches/strategies to deal with children who are presenting behavioral challenges.

• Provides behavioral health intervention services to identified children and adults consistently documenting interventions in conformance with House of Mercy and Medicaid services expectations.

• Assures appropriate and timely administration of medications for clients and children.

• Performs Breathalyzer Tests and collects urinalysis specimens for toxicology screens from residents adhering to House of Mercy Chain of Custody guidelines and procedures.

• Performs daily reviews of resident living areas to insure safety, cleanliness, and organization of personal items and notifies appropriate program personnel of ongoing issues/trends. Teachers, coaches, and mentors residents in developing skills necessary to meet these expectations.

• Transports residents and their children as assigned. Assists child care and parenting staff with transportation and supervision of residents and their children during recreational and educational outings.

• Provides accurate information on a client's behavior and progress for use in treatment plan review and other case management meetings. Collaborates with other treatment team members in carrying out treatment plans. Initiates corrective action with residents who are not following treatment plan goals.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responds to volatile situations by mediating to diffuse and resolve issues, modeling appropriate crisis intervention and problem solving techniques.

• Facilitates resident floor meetings.

• Participates in House of Mercy's Performance Quality Improvement Process, seeks opportunities to improve/enhance programming, and makes recommendations to support improvements/enhancements.

• Monitors and maintains inventory of supplies (i.e., UA materials, OTC medications, etc.) necessary for resident use, including ordering and stocking. Informs supervisor of supply restocking needs well in advance of their depletion.

• Responds professionally to all emergency situations following prescribed House of Mercy procedures and remains calm throughout the situation.

• When requested, participates in public relations and media efforts to promote House of Mercy and its programs.

• Knowledgeable about referral and resource services outside of Mercy for use by residents.

• Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity among resident

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY REQUIRED:

• A Bachelor's degree in a human services related field from an accredited program, preferred.

• CADC Certification, preferred.

• Heartsaver AED (Infant, Child and Adult) within four (4) months of hire.

• Valid Driver's/Chauffeurs License required, must meet Mercy's Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, must be at least 18 years of age and be eligible to drive per Iowa state law.

• Medication Management Certification to be completed within three (3) months of hire.

• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to population served within thirty (30) days of employment.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.