Residential Counselor I-SEIU (CHL)

Everyone Is a Caregiver

At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 20,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day.

Functions as a member of the treatment team by assisting with the implementation of treatment services. This includes but is not limited to monitoring of daily patient activities, assisting with direct client care, documentation, orientation of clients to the unit, and ensuring that clients comply with all treatment groups and unit/program rules.

Major Responsibilities

1. Performs duties using recovery-oriented principles.

2. Demonstrates person centered strength-based communication and relationship with persons.

3. Demonstrates effective communication with staff, peers and other professionals.

4. Ability to observe, document, teach and respond to mental and physical health as well as other needs of clients such as community living skills.

5. Serves as a residential counselor for specified number of residents as directed.

6. Assists in creating a safe therapeutic milieu by fostering a culture of recovery.

7. Implements treatment plans; interventions and properly documents using progress/service notes.

8. Assists with the client admission process by completing all required documentation accurately, as required.

9. Searches clients and their belongings for contraband upon admission and as required.

10. Works with clients to assist with activities of daily living (ADL's) which may include, but are not limited to, personal hygiene and self-care skills, laundry, money management and budgeting, symptom management, relapse prevention, use of public transportation, problem solving and conflict resolution, and other interventions as necessary.

11. Ensures healthy menu planning, food shopping, and meal preparation through coordination and assistance.

12. Monitors clients' medication, refills, documentation of medications and changes, assists with attending appointments, and safe storage.

13. Works with clients to maintain the residence on a daily basis including chores, bedroom upkeep, yard and other light housekeeping duties.

14. May be required to provide physical assistance, close supervision, and other such duties.

15. Maintains and complies with regulations as applicable for DMH, HUD, BSAS and DPH such as MAP Certification, Human Rights, Dual Diagnosis, Infection Control, Vital Signs, workplace violence certification, CPR, First Aid, annual compliance training and other CHL required trainings. All certifications must be completed within five months after starting employment.

16. Assists individuals with intervention work as outlined in their treatment plans.

17. Leads skill development and/or other group(s) as assigned.

18. Redirects clients as needed in order to provide a safe atmosphere/environment.

19. Provides crisis intervention and support.

20. Performs program cleaning, including laundry, clerical work, and/or organizing program supplies as assigned.

21. Notifies supervisor of any identified problem or deficiency in the program.

22. Reviews resident records, medication logs, and treatment plans for completeness and accuracy as assigned.

23. Answers telephone in a professional manner while documenting all relevant information.

24. Monitors client location and condition per program regulations.

Standard Staffing Level Responsibilities

1. Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives.

2. Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.

3. Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.

4. Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.

5. Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors.

6. Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.

7. Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

Position Qualifications

License/Certification/Education:

Required:

1. Grade C02: Residential Counselor I: Minimum of a high school diploma/GED/HiSet required.

2. Grade C04: Residential Counselor II: Requires a Bachelor's degree; preferably in the field of psychology or human services.

3. Driving Requirements: a. For Faith House, Beryl's House, and Orchard Street: Current valid US-Issued driver's license; b. For Adult Community Clinical Svcs (ACCS) Div: All programs require a current valid US-issued driver's license and a registered, inspected, and insured automobile for work related purposes including transporting clients in a personal vehicle [or a company vehicle].; c. For MYR (Motivating Youth Recovery), Detox, TSS (Transitional Support Services), CSS (Clinical Stabilization Service), CSU (Crisis Stabilization Units), and ATS (Acute Treatment Services): Driving is not a requirement.

4. Must be able to pass a CORI background check.

5. MYR, Beryl's House, Faith House, Orchard Street: Must be able to pass a CORI (Criminal Offender Background Check) and a DCF/CPS (Department of Families Adam Walsh/Child Protective Services background check)

Preferred:

1. Associates degree.

2. If working in a Substance Use Program, certification in addiction counseling or a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the substance abuse field.

Experience/Skills: Required:

1. Demonstrates person centered strength-based communication and relationship with persons.

2. Demonstrates effective communication with staff, peers and other professionals.

3. Ability to observe, document, teach, and respond to mental and physical health as well as other needs of clients such as community living skills.

4. Awake Overnight Residential Counselors: Must be able to remain awake and alert during the overnight shift to provide a safe and healthy environment for our staff and co-workers.

Preferred:

1. Previous human services experience.

2. If working in a Substance Use Program, understanding of addiction and recovery.

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description may be substituted for the above requirements.

Department-specific competencies and their measurements will be developed and maintained in the individual departments. The competencies will be maintained and attached to the departmental job description. Responsible managers will review competencies with position incumbents.

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions:

Work is considered medium. May be required to lift up to 10 lbs frequently and up to 20 lbs occasionally. Work is indoors in a patient-facing environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We're striving to make respect a part of everything we do at UMass Memorial Health for our patients, our community and each other. Our six Standards of Respect are: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player and Be Kind. If you share these Standards of Respect, we hope you will join our team and help us make respect our standard for everyone, every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Memorial Health recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at talentacquisition@umassmemorial.org.