UNITY HOUSE OF CAYUGA COUNTY INC.

JOB TITLE: MH RESIDENCE COUNSELOR SA AND CR

REPORTS TO: MH Program Manager

DATE: December, 2014

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma with one year related experience in human services preferred. Computer skills and keyboarding familiarity required. Must be able to be reached by phone/pager and have a vehicle to transport and complete agency business. Evidence of understanding and empathy for the Mental Health population. Ability to be flexible and work in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal, communication, organization, decision-making, and problem-solving skills a must. Valid NYS Driver's License required according with regulations and Agency policies/procedures.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The MH Residence Counselor reports to the Program Manager and Program Director. The Residence Counselor abides by all Agency policies, procedures, corporate compliance, mission, vision, etc. The Residence Counselor is responsible for assisting in the development of and executing person served rehabilitation plans that foster/maintain an environment of health and safety of the person served while utilizing effective interpersonal skills, demonstrating flexibility, decision-making skills and problem-solving skills to effectively resolve consumer issues. The Residence Counselor will foster/maintain an environment that promotes the health and safety of persons served while recognizing that each individual has potential for lifelong learning and growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Communicate and document person served specific information to the Program Manager and Senior Counselors on issues, progress on goals and potential areas for skill development. This specific information is conveyed to Program Manager and Senior Counselors via weekly team meetings, documentation in electronic files/paper files, etc.

Provide rehabilitative services to persons served to include; however, is not limited to; assertiveness/self-advocacy, community integration, daily living, health, rehabilitation, counseling, socialization, substance abuse related, symptom management, etc. Rehabilitative service provision activities may include, however, are not limited to: demonstrating/assisting with meal planning, cooking, cleaning (washing dishes, dusting, vacuuming), laundry, etc.

Provide rehabilitative services to persons served to include medication monitoring. This includes; however, is not limited to:

Documenting the Medication Administration Record,
Counting medications,
Filling "pill trays" with individuals,
Dropping off/picking up prescriptions,
Completing the Medication Evaluation Tool. The Medication Evaluation Tool - used to assess and evaluate individual readiness for self-monitoring of medications - is administered to the person served by the Residence Counselor on admission and on an as-needed basis.

Ensures appropriate documentation data and required documentation is complete per Mental Health regulations, agency policy and Quality Assurance standards. This may include; however is not limited to: completion of monthly and weekly progress statements along with daily notes as needed. Completion of documentation may be done electronically on the computer or in paper files, as determined by program procedures.

Transport individuals to various community resources. This may include; however, is not limited to the individual's place of residence, local pharmacy, physician/therapist appointments, person served service related meetings, etc.

Provide coverage/work as a team for other Program/staff to meet Program needs to include; however, is not limited to delivering medication in advance due to inclement weather.

Demonstrate ability to identify a crisis/emergency situation and respond appropriately to crisis/emergency situations in order to ensure/secure the safety/well being of persons served. Response includes acting appropriately to the severity of the situation, adherence to regulatory/agency guidelines, communication and documentation of situation to the appropriate staff, contacting emergency services, Cayuga County Mental Health on call, etc.

Maintain physical site of residential program/individual apartment in a manner which ensures the health, safety and welfare of persons served per agency policy and procedure. This may include, however, is not limited to:

Monitoring smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc. per regulatory guidelines,
Conducting a walk-through every thirty minutes (residential) to observe and assess site,
Observing general apartment state of cleanliness and safety (apartments) for assessing/observing in compliance with agency health and safety policies, practices and procedures.

Document services provision in compliance with Medicaid Requirements, significant incidents or interactions and general condition of person served per agency policy and procedure. Document service provision, weekly summaries, general updates and Incident Alert messages via Agency electronic systems and/or paper records as per program/position and regulatory requirements. This includes; however is not limited to, electronic person served files, incident reports, etc.

Demonstrate professionalism, diversity and inclusion by providing quality service/care with respect and dignity for the individuals served. This includes; however, is not limited to;
1. Demonstrating professionalism while representing Agency in any job-related activities both on site and in the community.
2. Developing positive and productive relationships by recognizing the importance of them and proactively facilitate relationships between the persons served and their family/friends.
3. Demonstrating support for individual choice-making in order to enhance confidence and assertiveness inclusive of recognizing and taking pride in individual's abilities and achievements, i.e. practicing religious beliefs, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socio-economic class, etc.
4. Providing opportunities and supports that help the individual served be viewed with respect and as integral members of their communities.

Demonstrate professionalism, respect and an ability to work in a team environment with coworkers/supervisors and external stakeholders. This includes; however, is not limited to: being flexible and cooperative with team, developing positive relationships with coworkers, supervisors, etc., maintaining professional boundaries with both individuals and all employees of Agency, practicing responsible work habits, modeling valued behaviors, etc.

Reports to work on time and maintains regular attendance in accordance with Agency policies and practices (see Attendance/Absenteeism/Punctuality Personnel Policy No. 500.501). Attends department/team meetings, trainings, etc. as scheduled and in accordance with Agency practice and policy.

Performs other comparable and related duties as assigned.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and employees will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as requested. Unity House of Cayuga County Inc. reserves the right to revise and change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

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