Residential Counselor - Per Diem - DBT at CONTINUUM OF CARE INC – New Haven, Connecticut

Residential Aide Per Diem Positions
**weekend shift differentials of $1 more an hour ($20.39)**
Program - DBT

Scope of Service: The DBT Residential Counselor position supports our Young Adults receiving services through Continuum’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program. Position assists individuals with daily personal routines including providing prompts for daily living skills, skill-building activities, and active participation in groups, community engagement, and recreational activities. Provides companionship to residents and establishes a trusting and professional relationship. Required to complete and maintain training conducted by the DBT Contracted Trainer/Supervisor. Co-facilitates groups based on DBT model. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Client Care:
Establishes rapport and positive working relationships with clients while
maintaining professional ethics and boundaries. Provides coaching to practice
coping strategies and the use of alternative more adaptive behaviors.
Assists in solving daily problems related to community living, medical conditions
and interpersonal relationships.
Provides support with daily living and self-care skills including at minimum,
medication compliance, self-management of mental illness symptoms, the use
of transportation, planning and preparation of nutritious meals, personal
grooming, management of financial resources, shopping, use of leisure time,
interpersonal communication and problem-solving.
Facilitates connections to natural community supports and mentors.
Encourages the development of self-advocacy skills and assists with accessing
self-help and advocacy resources.
Encourages the practice of recovery skills used to prevent relapse and manage
symptom cycles.
Development or maintenance of positive social relationships to ensure
independent participation in social, interpersonal or community activities and to
achieve full community reintegration.
Provides transportation to and from appointments as identified.
Conducts regular apartment/room inspections and assists the clients in
maintaining the cleanliness of their living spaces which may require hands-on
assistance.
Conducts ongoing rounds checks ensuring safety of each individuals and the
program.
Administers breathalyzer tests and collects urinalysis samples, as applicable.
Documents shift logs in electronic record according to contract and agency
policy.
Develops and maintains working relationships with providers, families, and
natural supports.
Responds to crisis situations and provides appropriate interventions as outlined
in the agency policy for Nonviolent Practices.
Supervises, monitors and documents the self-administration of client
medications.
Attends mandatory weekly DBT consultation meetings.
Attends and participates in monthly staff meetings, clinical rounds, All-Treater
meetings and supervision.

Environmental Responsibilities:
Maintains a clean, well-organized work environment.
Ensures all program egresses and walkways are clear to support workplace
safety.
Notifies supervisor of maintenance and/or safety issues and generates work
orders as needed.
Conducts and participates in fire and emergency evacuation drills and reviews
the emergency preparedness plan as outlined in agency policy.
Participates in Food Bank activities as assigned.
In order to maintain the security and safety of the clients and facility, staff are
required to remain awake during all shifts.

Quality Assurance:
Adheres to policies and practices as outlined in the staff handbook and program
operations manual.
Consistently works in a respectful, constructive, and cooperative manner.
Upholds all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
regulations and secures all necessary releases of information for outside
communication.
Models culturally competent behavior interacting with clients, providers, family,
and fellow staff.
Maintains accurate electronic records and case files as assigned and in
accordance with programming, contractual, licensing, and accreditation
requirements.
Adheres to the standards of the Council on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation
Facilities (CARF).
Participates in agency committee work when available or as permitted.
Completes all trainings as required per program contract and agency policy.
Attends agency sponsored in-services, outside trainings, conferences and
meetings to facilitate continued professional growth and ensure the quality of
case management practices.

QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or equivalent considered with a minimum of one (1) year
experience in related healthcare field. Licensed CNA or other related healthcare
certification accepted in lieu of experience.
Prior experience facilitating group work required.
Prior experience working with people with mental illness, intellectual disabilities,
and/or addiction.
Knowledge of the community support system and resources preferred.
Valid Connecticut Driver’s license with clean driving record is required. Scattered
site and non-24 hr. program positions require the employee to maintain reliable
transportation and be willing to transport clients in personal vehicles.
DBT skills training is provided upon hiring. The completion of this training is
mandatory for any staff wishing to work in the DBT program.
CPR/First Aid certification offered as part of orientation. Employee responsible to
maintain ongoing certification.
Proficient computer skills required, including Microsoft Office and electronic
record keeping.

Company Benefits Include:

• Competitive Wages
• 401(k) - with company match up to 3.5%
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• FSA and Dependent Care Accounts
• Company-Sponsored Employee Assistance Program
• Company Sponsored Life, AD&D and LTD
• Colonial Supplemental Insurance
• Vacation, PTO & Sick time for eligible FT 40 & PT (20-39 hour)
Employees
• Connecticut Paid Sick Time for all employees up to 40 hours
a year
• 12 Company Holidays Paid at Double Time (hourly employees)