Residential Counselor II

at State of Vermont in Essex, Vermont, United States

Job Description

This is for night shift positions. There is a night shift differential ($4.00/hr) and weekend differential ($1.50/hr).

The work accomplished by this position is directly linked to the Department of Mental Health's mission to promote mental health as a vital part of overall well-being by advancing prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused care. Our vision is that mental health is a cornerstone of health in Vermont. Vermonters live in caring, inclusive communities that respond with compassion and respect to mental health needs, ensuring everyone can thrive and participate fully in their lives. The work done toward our vision and mission uses the values of compassion, equity, integrity, collaboration, and accountability. Please review the Department's Vision, Mission, and Values at About Us | Department of Mental Health.

Residential Counselor II’s specialized technical level work and provides intensive, culturally sensitive, clinical support and therapeutic opportunities in both a residential setting and in the community, to individuals with cognitive and mental health challenges whose needs are complex and range in intensity. Residential Counselor II duties differ from a Residential Counselor I in the complexity of the work and the increased opportunity for autonomy.  Employees in this class receive formal instruction/training related to specific clinical practices and will be required to participate in and/or provide training to other employees as a routine assignment in addition to performing regular resident care duties.  The Residential Counselor II will be required to participate in morning rounds, take a lead role in offering groups/activities and will be asked to facilitate house meetings on a rotation.  There is significant collaboration with floor staff, Residential Care Managers, Activities Therapists, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, outside providers, and families and visitors. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Psychiatric Nurse, Residential Counselor III, and/or the Assistant Director of Clinical Services. The Residential Counselor II demonstrates positive role modeling in promoting and maintaining an appropriate therapeutic milieu for residents. This position is expected to consistently communicate in a professional and respectful manner.

All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Employees regularly interact with individuals experiencing serious mental illness, who present with various levels of risk to self or others such as assaultive behavior, elopement risk, self-harm, suicide; and may be exposed to infectious diseases and caustic detergents.