Residential Counselor -PT 16 Hours Friday and Saturday 4pm - 12am DBT at CONTINUUM OF CARE INC – New Haven, Connecticut

2nd Shift: 16 hours Friday and Saturday 4pm - 12am

Scope of Service: The DBT Residential Counselor position supports our Young Adults receiving services through Continuums 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 indivdiuals 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 programing, 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 leui 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 Drivers 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)