RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR at Smith Agency – Aurora, Colorado

SUPERVISED BY: House Manager and/or Team Leader and Residential Director

KNOWLEDGE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Persons in this position are responsible for supervision of residents in the home, assisting residents in accomplishing their goals set from their Individual Plan, and following directions of the Team Leader, House Manager, Residential Director, Program and Placement Director, and Human

Resource Manager, under the supervision of the Executive Director. The person in this position must have knowledge of principles and methods of habilitation and education for residents with developmental disabilities, principles for maximizing the physical, cognitive and social development of these residents. As a new counselor part of your training will require shadowing in existing counselor a minimum of 40 hours prior to having unsupervised contact with the clients. In addition, you will continue to have staff supervision until all required training is obtained.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct care for residents’ needs
• Teaching through our “gentle teaching methods”
• Resident treatment, development and maintenance services
• Record keeping tasks
• House keeping tasks
• Transportation needs
• Flexibility in work schedule
• Timely completion of assigned special projects
• On-going training (40 hours the first year and 20 hours every year after)

DESIGNATION OF CHARGES:

When Residential Counselors report to their shift, each counselor is assigned a group of clients. Counselors are responsible for their group for the duration of their shift. The responsibility counselors have of their designated charges includes, but is not limited to, constant supervision of

the clients’ health, welfare, morale and recreation. If a counselor is required to leave any or all of their clients in the care of another counselor, they are to document the name of the client and the name of the counselor who will be responsible for them and have the other counselor sign the documentation before leaving the assignment.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

Upon hire, Residential Counselors are assigned a schedule. Supervisors have the authority to change the schedule based on the needs of the clients and the facility under the authorization of the Executive Director and Human Resource Manager. This is an hourly or straight shift position, with a starting pay of $$18.00 - $20.00 an hour dependent upon location, client needs, and staff qualifications.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Work experience includes working with people with disabilities or comparable field. Must have completed high school or equivalency, CPR / First Aid, Medication Certification, Defensive Driving and have a clean C.B.I. (Fingerprints) and CDHS Background Check. Applicant must be at least 21 years old and have a clean driving record and negative drug screening.