Residential Counselor I

Why Work for Gandara:

The Residential Counselor maintains a therapeutic environment within the residence, meeting clients' needs in safety, medical, emotional, food, clothing, and shelter. They participate in developing reasonable limits and structure for each child, implementing these daily in the residence and community in a fair and consistent manner.

Benefits:

• Retirement Plan 403(b)
• Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance
• Paid vacations
• Paid holidays
• 8 discretionary days
• Mileage Reimbursement

Additional Benefits:

• Career Growth Opportunities
• Culturally Diverse population
• Clinical Licensing Support

Job Title: Residential Counselor
Work Location: Holyoke, MA

The Residential Counselor will maintain a therapeutic environment within the residence, which includes meeting the needs of the client in the following areas: safety, medical, emotional, food, clothing, and shelter. To participate in the development of reasonable limits and structure for each child and to implement these limits on a daily basis in the residence and community in a fair and consistent manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To attend scheduled clinical and staff meetings and actively participate to determine treatment plans, re-evaluate case needs and goals, and develop skills.
• To maintain client records in accordance with standard format and timetables.
• To attend scheduled supervisory meetings with Program Manager.
• To maintain progress notes on each consumer for the shift which staff worked.
• To represent the dignity of each individual through vigorous promotion of the human and civil rights, which, in part, strives to keep people free from abuse and/or neglect.
• To assist members daily in the enhancement of their ADL (activities of daily living) skills through practical experience and training both individually and in groups.
• To promote the rights of people with developmental/intellectual disabilities to exercise choice and to make meaningful decisions in their lives.
• To provide appropriate, safe responses to emergency situations when necessary.
• To provide case management, outreach and advocacy to members, and be accountable for the quality and quantity of casework.
• To develop strong, supportive relationships with the individuals.
• To provide for individual care and safety, and observe all safety measures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates degree or bachelor's degree in human service field preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with psychiatric clients preferred.
• Must have valid driver's license and safe driving history.
• Prefer bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Must have availability of an automobile to transport individuals or perform other supportive services as necessary.

Gandara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.