About Job

Residential Counselor – Job Description

Position Summary:
The Residential Counselor is responsible for assisting in carrying out a variety of clinical and program services. This person plays an essential role in the admission process, client orientation, and overall client management. The Counselor receives clinical supervision from the Technician Supervisor and Program Director and receives operational direction from the Facility Operations Manager. This role works cooperatively as a member of a recovery team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Observes and monitors client behavior and intervenes based on schedule, individual treatment plan, and facility needs.
Conducts urine drug screen collections when directed, following appropriate procedures.
Supervises client self-administration of medications.
Facilitates assigned groups, meetings, and activities, documenting observations and milieu interventions in client records and shift logs.
Coordinates milieu treatment with the counseling staff.
Facilitates daily activities within the residential setting including waking clients, supervising chores, assisting with meal services, making coffee, and assisting with laundry.
Transports clients to and from airports, detox facilities, appointments, hospitals, doctor’s offices, external meetings, store runs, recreational groups, and other transportation needs.
Ensures client telephones are available during designated hours.
Conducts regular house checks, fire drills, and disaster drills to ensure safety and security.
Completes client admissions and intake paperwork, including orientation and personal/baggage searches.
Provides one-on-one supervision for at-risk clients (e.g., those at risk for self-harm) per directive from the Technician Supervisor or Program Director.
Facilitates assigned exercise groups and conducts house checks.
Completes filing and other miscellaneous administrative tasks as assigned.
Supports clients as part of a 24/7 facility schedule.
Must be available within 30 minutes for on-call transportation duties during evenings and two times per month on weekends.
Maintains a clear background check, current TB screening, and complies with random drug screening.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Minimum of a high school diploma (college degree preferred).
Minimum of one year of experience/training in addiction preferred and/or currently pursuing a degree in addiction studies or related behavioral health field. Must include at least one year of experience with the target population (chemical dependency and/or mental health).
Demonstrated ability to cooperate with team members and work collaboratively in a team setting; flexibility in accepting varied assignments.
Communication skills sufficient to assess clients and interpret this information in terms of chemical dependency.
Demonstrated understanding of addiction and recovery processes, and knowledge of available recovery resources.
Current CPR and First Aid training.
Current TB test or completion at the time of hire.
Must be certified, licensed, or registered to obtain licensure or certification—or become registered within six months of hire through an accredited institution as defined by Chapter 8, Certification of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors.
Assumes responsibility for personal and professional development.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted state driver’s license.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

Work involves a mix of sedentary tasks and active, weight-bearing responsibilities.
Mental/visual focus related to frequent interventions and occasional crisis management with chemically dependent clients and their families.
Work is semi-structured and requires sound judgment in setting priorities.
Must have sufficient vision and physical mobility (sitting, standing, walking, stooping, bending).
Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

Key Competencies:

Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities. Acknowledges personal biases when working with diverse populations.
Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues’ priorities and working styles; develops relationships across departments.
Communicates Effectively: Shares information openly and communicates clearly and courteously.
Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems and needs of others to deliver excellent service.
Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, addresses routine problems, and raises appropriate concerns to supervisors in a timely manner.
Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand concerns and provides accurate information and support.
Performs Excellent Work: Checks quality of work before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards.
Ensures Continuous Improvement: Shows eagerness to learn new knowledge, tools, or systems and displays a willingness to go above and beyond.
Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department.
Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned tasks and seeks to provide high-quality service beyond standard approaches.
Applies Technology: Quickly adapts to new technology; understands when to use the appropriate tools and procedures.
Adapts to Change: Embraces change by keeping an open mind and incorporating new directions into one’s area of work.