Residential Counselor- Mental Health

Volunteers of America Northern New England serves people and communities in need and measures company success in positive changes in the lives of individuals and communities we serve. We provide competitive wages, excellent benefits, and highly rewarding opportunities. It is more than a job- it is a service within a wonderful culture! VOA Northern New England is proud to be a certified Great Place to Work organization!

Position Title: Residential Counselor

Location: Beach Street Program: Saco, Maine

Pay: Starting at $20-$22/hour plus $1.50/more for weekend shift differential

Shift: Full -time, awake overnights

• Sunday - Thursday, 11pm-7am

Position Overview: The 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:

• Provide for the care and supervision of clients while assisting and supervising activities of daily living (e.g. cooking, personal hygiene, transportation).
• Provide reinforcement of counseling and therapy activities
• Assist with medications, including preparing, dispersing, and recording medication in accordance with Maine DHHS Assisted Living regulations.
• 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.
• Provide rehabilitation; participate in program plan implementation and provide continuous instruction, supervision, training, and encouragement as outlined in client service plans.
• 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.
• Ensure preparation of meals and encourage client involvement with meal planning and preparation as indicated by client’s need.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assist in securing and providing transportation as needed. This will include transporting clients using your vehicle.
• Maintain all required professional licenses and professional training, including MHRT1, and successfully complete other training required by regulation, funding source, or the agency.
• Maintains appropriate attendance per company policy. Attends and participates in the minimum required staff meetings each month, as well as required monthly supervision hours.
• Participate in and contribute to other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• High School diploma required; college education in relevant discipline or experience working within the behavioral health field preferred.
• Knowledge of basic homemaking skills, understanding of community resources, implementation of individual training plans, and documentation of care preferred.
• Ability to self-motivate and initiate work independently. Willingness to engage with clients.
• Excellent communication skills, including active listening, written, oral and record-keeping skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• 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.
• Solid relationship building skills, with the ability to exhibit compassion and patience.
• Per state of Maine regulations, all behavioral health/disability services employees will be required to submit proof of immunization records upon employment.

Working Conditions:

This position works in a residential setting for people diagnosed with mental illness and in a regular office environment. The employee will be required to sit, walk, stand, bend, reach with hands and arms, lift (up to 25 lbs.), use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment, talk and hear, both in person and by telephone. The employee will also be required to walk up and down stairs and facilitate emergency situations such as fire drills.

Our behavioral health facilities operate 24/7. Employees are expected to be awake for the duration of their shift, regardless of which shift they are working. Staff are expected to remain on shift until they are relieved.

ADA Compliance:

Volunteers of America is an equal opportunity employer; and all employment-related decisions are made without consideration of individuals’ race, sex, age, national origin, disability status or any other protected characteristic.

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person