Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm

Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center is seeking a motivated individual to fulfill the role of Paraprofessional Counselor in the Statewide Transitional Residential Program (STRP). The STRP is a 17-bed (12 male, 5 female), unlocked, residential, forensic program, and is the highest level of care with the CONREP system (CAs Conditional Release Program for individuals transitioning from the Department of State Hospitals back into the community). Clients are referred from county CONREP programs throughout the state and the STRP program serves as a transitional, 90-day, step-down program between the state hospital and the community.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Paraprofessional Counselor is part of a multi-disciplinary team of staff who provide support, supervision and residential services to adults ages 18-59 who are diagnosed with chronic and persistent mental health disorders. The Paraprofessional Counselor’s responsibilities include monitoring and reporting clients’ behaviors and activities, monitoring and reporting any facility issues or security concerns, and providing support and supervision to ensure clients are engaging in treatment, complying with House Rules, and making progress toward their discharge goals to lower levels of care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Maintains communication with team members throughout the shift to ensure that all tasks are covered, and offers assistance where needed.
• Facilitates client transportation, as needed.
• Adheres to client/visitor sign in and out procedures, contraband protocols, and rounds protocols, including accurate completion of all required documentation.
• Responds to incoming calls on evenings and weekends.
• Conducts random security checks of premises and buildings at least hourly throughout shift.
• Conducts client rounds, per designated timeframes (i.e., hourly, Q30 minutes, 1:1), adheres to protocols regarding monitoring of clients, and accurately completes all rounds documentation.
• Assists with weekly room checks for clients as directed by the Supervisor and accurately completes and submits all required documentation.
• Reports safety hazards and maintenance and housekeeping needs to the Residential Manager.
• Observes and records clients’ behavior and activities throughout the facility. Documents these observations via the shift summary and reports them during shift exchange.
• Participates in shift exchange, when on shift.
• Immediately reports any unusual or concerning behaviors or activities to their supervisor, or designated supervisor.
• Prompts clients to complete their activities of daily living (ADLs) including attending to their hygiene/grooming, laundering their clothing, and changing their linen on a regular basis.
• Prompts clients to comply with schedule for medications, meals, groups and other scheduled appointments/activities.
• Monitors and supports clients to take prescribed psychotropic medications, also ensures that emergency medications are accurately recorded when taken by resident.
• Takes, records, and reports client vital signs (e.g., body temperature, blood pressure, etc.) when needed.
• Participates and assists in the investigation of any events that require submission of regulatory agency reports (e.g., CCL, DMH, DSH), or internal agency reporting to QI/EOC/HR.
• Responds appropriately to emergency or problematic situations (e.g., enacts on-call notification procedure or notifies immediate supervisor, staff, administration, police, fire department, ambulance, and paramedics as appropriate.
• Provides behavioral interventions to clients when needed, including crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation techniques (e.g., CPI).
• Collaborates with team to encourage clients to engage in treatment, to comply with House Rules, and to establish goals for discharge.
• Conducts themselves as a good role model for clients, consistent with Gateways’ rules of conduct.
• Participates in Paraprofessional Counselor meetings, in-service trainings, and other meetings as scheduled.
• Assists the treatment team in arranging emergency transportation for psychiatric and medical emergencies.
• Maintains an objective, professional relationship with clients at all times.
• Participates in all required trainings, including trainings on use of equipment (e.g., AED, vital signs monitors, panic alarm, etc.)
• Performs other additional tasks, within the employee’s scope of practice, as directed.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES

Minimum Education Required:

• High School Diploma or GED

Desired Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences or related area

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) year experience, preferred but not required, in mental health, social services, customer service, or other rehabilitative/recreational/educational role
• Ability to work and relate effectively with multidisciplinary treatment team, clients and the public
• Ability to identify clients who are in distress and intervene in a timely, calm and appropriate manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently, use good judgment, and remain calm in crisis situations.
• Proven ability to work with adult clients.
• Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet computer programs.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, abide by policies and procedures, and reinforce compliance with facility House Rules and treatment expectations.
• Ability to accept direction from supervisors and complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to appropriately provide direction to clients.
• Ability to implement crisis intervention techniques and basic counseling skills.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Community Care Licensing (CCL) background clearance.
• Valid California Driver’s license.
• Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways insurance carrier.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• To perform this job you must be able to carry out all essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move unassisted up to 25 pounds.