Residential Counselor-BA

This is difficult high-stakes work, that will at times be stressful. It's not for everyone. On the other hand, you'll grow as a human-services professional, potentially start or enhance a professional career, and feel that your work is purposeful, meaningful, and emotionally rewarding. You'll be part of a team of colleagues supporting your professional growth and success.

In order to change the trajectory of these young persons' lives, a transformational treatment experience must be created. The Wediko  New Hampshire Residential Counselor/Direct Support Professional position is key to that experience.  Through an interdisciplinary team effort and direct supervision from Wediko Masters-level clinicians, Wediko Residential Counselors make a difference in the lives of the youth we serve.  

How You'll Be Making a Difference

• Participate in supporting the development of behavior interventions, collecting data, and facilitating youth progress. Implement strategies contained within behavior intervention plans identified through functional behavior assessments.
• Provide training, advocacy, needs assessment, and treatment to youths and their families with the goal of reunification and/or the reduction of long-term out of home placement. Supervise and coordinate activities of daily living for students, including hygiene, clothing, chores, and other activities. Assist children with the transition from each scheduled activity.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary clinical team to lead to the development and implementation of individualized comprehensive treatment plans that provide for individual counseling, group therapy, nutrition, medical, recreational, and social programming.
• Maintain a therapeutic and professional relationship with students; provide required supervision of students (i.e., eyesight, earshot).
• Report any instance/allegation of student abuse to Supervisor.
• Comply with Mandated Reporter status.
• Report potential safety hazards immediately.
• Demonstrate awareness of environment.
• React promptly and appropriately, to any situation that should arise.
• Ensure completion of all documentation required for safe and effective student care, operation, and compliance.
• Knowledge and application of program routines/ structure. Maintain a general understanding of the population of clients with whom we work
• Develop an understanding of level system (cards, behavior contracts, etc.)
• Provide First Aid appropriately as needed
• May plan and participate in activities with clients/students on an individual and small group (less than 6) level in accordance with treatment plans and goals. Teach age-appropriate life skills and social skills through modeling, counseling, and other techniques.  Participate in groups and activities designed to enhance growth and development.
• Participate in off campus recreational/educational activities
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment. Manage living, dining, educational, recreational areas to provide a clean, organized environment for students.  Insure adequate supervision of students through coordination of care with other staff.
• Provide group and individual behavior support and intervention as trained, including the use of TCI appropriate physical restraint as necessary. Coordinate medical and emergency situations with the supervisor.
• Communicate through written and verbal means with other program staff on positive skills and accomplishments as well as difficult or challenging client issues
• Complete all assigned paperwork including time sheet, level card, goal/ level tracking, incident reporting, and 51A's in a thorough and timely manner
• Attend trainings
• Participate in supervision meetings with supervisor
• May be asked to prepare weekend meals

What to Expect in the Role

• Passing the CORI/background check and having a valid ID
• Being physically active for an 8-10 hour shift
• Participating in verbal de-escalation and physical intervention with youth
• Multi-tasking in a changing and fast-paced treatment environment
• Receiving and implement feedback in the moment and through a structured supervision process
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekend shifts as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or a closely related field
• One year or more of childcare experience in a residential setting with similar population of children
• Computer literate, including Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer, with the ability to learn new software applications

Driving Requirements

• May be required to operate a vehicle, have a valid driver's license and a "satisfactory" driving record
• May be required to have access to a personal vehicle for use during work hours
• May be required to use personal vehicle to transport clients on occasion if/when needed
• If required to transport clients, must maintain the minimum amounts of liability insurance as required by The Home and/or other regulatory requirements and vehicle registration must be current

What The Home Can Offer You

In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance available
• Extensive training to new staff
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• And more

Valuing Diversity

We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.