Clubhouse Counselor

Overview

Provide individual and group support to the members of the Clubhouse. Through assessment and development of Action Plan goals, work in partnership with Clubhouse members to improve life skill and self-determination within the established work areas of the Club as well as in social and community activities. In addition, the Clubhouse Employment Coordinator will oversee and engage membership in employment components of the Clubhouse such as work units, transitional employment, supported employment, vocational training, volunteerism, and employment assessments.

Responsibilities

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

* Function as an advisor for Clubhouse members. Assess, develop, and implement Action Plans with members in the work area of their choice.

* Promote a supportive and empowering services environment in which members learn to advocate for themselves, make their own choices, take risks, and assume additional responsibilities.

* Communicate and reinforce the Clubhouse culture and philosophy to the membership as well other involved providers, community resources, and employer partners. In partnership with membership and staff, develop, implement, and support all Clubhouse policies and procedures.

* As a Clubhouse generalist, provide support to Clubhouse members in all work areas: teach, coach, facilitate, and support (instruction, assistance, modeling, and reinforcement) skill development for all work area members. Provide meaningful work opportunities within the work area and encourage membership participation in all work area activities. May plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of work area services.

* Maintain program records for members to meet the standards set forward by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health for Clubhouse Documentation. Support Clubhouse members in documenting progress on their Action Plan if they choose to do so.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local employers for the Transitional Employment and Supported Employment models. Provide education and support to employer as needed and as agreed upon by persons served.

* In partnership with member, assess vocational skills and interests on an ongoing basis using background information, past work experience and practical applications. Educate membership about employment opportunities.

* Assist members with job development and job search activities consistent with best practice and the needs and interest of members.

* Provide coaching, training, and support to individual members at Clubhouse and at community job sites, to ensure their success in Transitional, Supported, and Independent Employment efforts. Supports might include travel training, social skills, vocational skill training, etc. Work with other members and Clubhouse staff to provide employment support.

* Perform placement management duties for the Transitional Employment Program. Duties include training, scheduling monitoring, absence coverage, and maintaining relationships with community partners.

* Provide or arrange for benefits counseling for Clubhouse members.

* Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community vocational resources and service providers (i.e. Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, One Stop Centers, Employment Collaborative, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) in order to develop employment opportunities for members as well as to coordinate employment services.

* Attend training and conferences relating to performance enhancement and professional growth. Participate in staff meetings, training, and supervision. Provide assistance in the orientation of new staff and members. Maintain on-going communication with supervisor and co-workers to promote the reliable functioning of the Clubhouse.

* Help upkeep physical site.

* Help plan and participate in Clubhouse events.

* Learn, enforce, and adhere to all Clubhouse, divisional, and company policies and procedures.

* Perform other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and

Skills:

* Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills, as well as participatory planning techniques

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