Location: West Hempstead, NY | Schedule: Part-Time | Status: Non-Exempt |Salary Range: $20.35/hour


Family and Children's Association (FCA) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Per-Diem Residential Counselor to join our Residential Program. The Residential Counselor will support adolescents with emotional impairments at our community residence located in West Hempstead, providing a safe, structured, and nurturing environment. This role plays a vital part in promoting personal growth, stability, and well-being for the youth in our care.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support residents in completing daily living activities, promoting independence and accountability.
• Oversee and assist with the day-to-day operations of the residence to ensure a safe and structured environment.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date program documentation, including petty cash, resident sign-outs, timesheets, receipts, and activity logs.
• Provide timely and appropriate crisis intervention to address and de-escalate emergency situations.
• Monitor and manage residents' medication administration in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Transport residents to appointments and activities as needed, ensuring safety and adherence to program guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; some college coursework preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with adolescents
• Ability to ascend/descend stairwells.
• Must be able to participate in sports activities with the residents.
• Valid New York State driver's license with a demonstrated safe and responsible driving record.

Compensation

The competitive compensation range is reflected with FCA's framework, culture, and values. Individual pay decisions will vary based on skills and experience' while still allowing for growth.

Supervise the residents and maintain a therapeutic environment that ensures the effective and efficient delivery of services in accordance with regulatory and agency requirements.

The following are the essential duties of this position. 

1.Provide supervision and  direct counseling to residents.

2. Employ trauma-sensitive practices.

3. Ensure that the program is operating in compliance with all regulatory, agency, and funding requirements.  This includes conducting security checks, fire drills and attending to your assigned post.

4. Supervise residents with daily activities, recreational activities, wake-ups and other client needs. Monitor and complete all household chores and ensure meals are prepared on a daily basis.

5. Complete comprehensive Medicaid billable case notes and progress notes and submit by the required deadlines.

6. Complete required paperwork (including but not limited to case notes, timesheets, logs, etc.) accurately and thoroughly and submit by the required deadlines. 

7. Attend all required internal meetings, mandatory trainings, and participate in supervision.

8. Ensure the medication management procedures are properly followed.

9. Transport residents in agency vehicle and/or personal vehicle when needed to and from appointments, recreational activities, household errands or as otherwise required. Employee's own car may be used if properly insured and registered. 

10.Collaborate with Program Coordinator as to program, facility and client needs.

11.Assume other tasks and responsibilities assigned to ensure the effective operation of the program.

Reports to:Residential Supervisor

Supervises: N/A

In order to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, the requirements listed below (in Section V and VI) are representative of the knowledge, skills and training necessary.

Education:High School diploma or GED required.  Bachelor's degree preferred.

Certificates or Licenses: N/A

Experience: Minimum of 1 year experience working with adolescents or in a residential setting.

VI. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  OTHER

The following are the minimum competencies required to successfully perform the essential features of the position:

Driving:Valid New York State driving license with a safe and responsible driving history.  A car that is properly registered and insured according to NYS-DMV regulations.  Ability to drive the agency van.

Computer Skills:Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook and Excel) and the ability to learn new software.

Math Skills:Ability to accurately perform basic arithmetic computations needed to perform essential duties of the position, such as utilizing petty cash, counting medication, food shopping, mileage sheets, etc.

Reasoning Ability:Ability to use good judgment in assessing and identifying issues and deciding on appropriate solutions.  Must be able to prioritize work and effectively manage time to meet required deadlines. Must be able to adapt to a changing environment and intervene in crisis situations appropriately..

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:Verbal and written skills must be professional and readily understood by others especially when conveying instructions and information. Must be able to write case notes in accordance with regulatory and agency requirements.  Must be able to engage a diverse population of clients with various cultural backgrounds.  Must be able to maintain a professional demeanor even when confronted with difficult and emotionally charged situations.  Must treat clients with respect and dignity at all times.

Physical Skills:Ability to walk up and down stairs multiple times on a daily basis.  Must be able to perform all the chores associated with general house cleaning and maintenance.  Must be able to participate in sports activities with residents. Ability to carry up to 20 pounds.