Primary Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY

The purpose of your job position is to assist in the implementation and evaluation of the Behavioral and Counseling treatment plans as they meet the needs of the resident’s care plan in accordance with current federal, state and local standards that govern the facility, and as assigned by the Program Director.

The Primary Counselor will treat each resident with kindness, dignity, and respect. They will knock before entering each resident’s room. They will refer to each resident by their name. They will be courteous to families and visitors. They will maintain a positive and calm disposition. They will communicate clearly, empathetically, and effectively when speaking to residents, family members, visitors, staff, and any governmental agency personnel. They will make sound independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. They will work cooperatively with all departments and multidisciplinary teams. They will demonstrate patience, initiative, and willingness to assist residents that may be difficult. They will relate all pertinent information concerning a resident’s condition to a charge nurse when required. They will be committed to always doing the right thing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Program Functions
  • Plan, coordinate, implement and revise specific STP group content.
  • Develop specific lesson plans for Specialty Groups and maintain a library of lesson plans and Resource material.
  • Offer/monitor groups and Supervised Outings as assigned.
  • Attend Shift report daily and disseminate information as appropriate.
  • Complete attendance documentation daily including and complete progress documentation in PCC.
  • Complete assigned daily/weekly/monthly documentation as required/assigned.
  • Complete Program Daily Charting and submit form to Program Director daily.
  • Complete Quarterly Summary (when needed)/update care plan interventions as needed. Attend IDSM Meetings to discuss resident progress on assigned caseloads.

• Counseling Functions
  • Complete BIR as required/document incident and submit BIR to Nursing. Update 24-hour log as needed.
  • Provide/document behavioral counseling to clients as a follow up to incidents, issues, and concerns.
  • Provide 1-1 counseling as requested/assigned.
  • Provide assistance in crisis counseling and assist in Code Green situations as a trained member of PRO-ACT Team.
  • Complete SOC 341 Mandated Abuse reporting as required.
  • Other duties as assigned in Program.

• Safety/Infection Functions
  • Understands and follows Safety and Sanitation rules including reporting any communicable diseases.
  • Follow all COVID-19 precautions, disinfectant procedures and social distancing protocols.
  • Enforce all protocols with residents in the facility.

• Control Functions (Resident Rights)
  • Promptly reports any known or suspected violations to Supervisor.

• • Adheres to facility Dress Code.

• In-service Functions
• • Attends and participates in orientation and all facility/program in service training as directed. (Minimum of 52 weekly hours of STP in service per year)

• Training
• • Must complete 20 hours of PRO-ACT every 2 years.

REQUIREMENTS

Education / Licensure

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or related field or MA/MS in Psychology or related field required.

Qualifications / Experience

• Must have 1 year experience in a mental health field.
• Must be able to read and write in a legible and understandable manner.
• Must be able to perform the Essential Job Functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions

• May encounter frequent interruptions
• May be involved with residents, family, and government agencies
• May be requested to work beyond scheduled working hours at times
• Is subject to call‑back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post‑disaster, etc.)
• May be subjected to odors, dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoking or air contaminants
• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses
• May be exposed to or handle hazardous chemicals

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the day
• Working throughout the nursing areas
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds. Lifting more weight up to 100 pounds requires assistance
• Ability to read fine print on tablet, progress notes and/or medical labels