Direct Care Counselor

Reports to: Clinical Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

The Direct Care Counselor is responsible for implementing the mission of the MH Division. The Direct Care Counselor is responsible for supervising the daily activities of the clients, providing ongoing support, guidance and role modeling. The Direct Care Counselor facilitates client improvement in the areas of personal responsibility, social skills, community living skills and behavior

Essential Functions:

• Develop and document PSTPs and reviews, outlining rehabilitative goals and interventions, which reflect program participant preference and meet DMH and Agency standards, with supervisor's direction.
• Participate in the development of the ISP and attend other treatment meetings, including weekly staff meetings.
• Document monthly progress notes.
• Provide crisis intervention (which may include SOLVE techniques) and access emergency services as needed.
• Perform interventions with clients that address their identified goals and result in skill development.
• Provide linkage with other program staff and other service providers.
• Communicate program participant's progress, mental status, and any changes in daily notes.
• Participate in core training and maintain certification of required trainings(CPR/First Aid, SOLVE, MAP, etc.).
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, role modeling and supervision to clients.
• Participate in group work, as delegated by supervisor.
• Identify and address community integration issues for clients on caseload with supervisor's direction.
• Monitor and document medication administration.
• Follow agency, division and program policies and procedures and perform duties in accordance with those policies and procedures.
• Ensure a clean, safe and home-like environment for clients.
• Attendance at supervision and staff meetings.
• Remain alert at all times throughout scheduled workday.
• Ensure that clients are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates Human Rights Policy.
• Perform all duties in accordance with the agency's policies and procedures.
• Strictly follow all agency Performance Standards.
• Please note: The essential functions listed in this section are not limited only to the tasks listed and may include other duties as assigned.

Qualification/Education/Experience/Personal Characteristics:

• BA/BS in related field; or HS diploma/GED and 1 year related experience.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Ability to communicate effectively including in writing and ability to use good judgment.

Job Classification: Direct Care Counselor (continued)

• Ability to read English and communicate effectively in the primary language of the program to which he/she is assigned
• Sensitivity to clients and the ability to treat them with dignity and respect.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• Must hold a valid driver's license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients.

Physical Demands:

General requirements: Full upper extremity range of motion, full lower extremity range of motion. Must be able to lift furniture and/or objects/persons weighing up to 50lbs.

Continuous: Communication

Frequent: Standing, sitting, walking, and lifting

Occasional: Reaching with hands and arms, stooping and crouching