Per Diem Counselor

Location: New York

JOB SCOPE:
The Per Diem Counselor provides coverage in the absence of a regular employee. The Per Diem Counselor provides supportive counseling and crisis intervention as required by individual residents. Major areas of responsibility include monitoring the safety and security of the facility, providing good customer service, and exercising good judgment in managing crises.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain the environment of the facility safely and securely, including monitoring video surveillance cameras and conducting hourly building walk-throughs to assess the physical environment, and ensure the well-being of residents.
• Document significant building activities and events in the Communication Logbook.
• Perform light maintenance and housekeeping skills, such as picking up or emptying garbage, mopping up spills, shoveling snow, etc.
• Ensure all resident visitors provide identification and sign in the Visitor Log.
• Conduct monthly fire drills.
• Assess and respond to resident situations, including the utilization of de-escalation techniques.
• Report crises, untoward incidents, and emergencies immediately to the clinical staff on call and document such events in the program log, incident reports, and on appropriate forms in a timely manner.
• Conduct apartment inspections and provide support to clients with regard to daily living skills.
• Escort clients in the community to medical, benefit, or other pertinent appointments.
• Remain on site until relief staff arrive.
• Adhere to personnel and residential policies and procedures as outlined in the PCMH Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and the Residential Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Performs other duties, consistent with the goals and objectives of the program, as assigned by the Program Director or Regional Director for Residential Services.

KNOWLEDGE:
• Microsoft Office
• Foothold AWARDS
• CPR/First Aid

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong customer services skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to residents.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage time
• Good judgment
• Ability to appropriately assess and respond to situations, including ability to de-escalate residents
• Ability to remain calm and focused in emergency situations
• Ability to work effectively with others and demonstrate conflict resolution skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required, college degree or 2 years of college in a mental health field desired