Lead Residential Treatment Counselor
Position Description and Primary Requirements
Under the supervision of the Clinical House Manager, the Lead Residential Treatment Counselor is responsible for
collaborating and attaining cohesion and consistency interdepartmentally. In the absence of the Clinical House
Manager, the Lead Counselor is responsible for directing the daily work assignments of the house staff to ensure that
youths’ treatment plans are carried out as written and serves as a role model for ethical behavior to promote awareness
and understanding of positive ethical and moral principles with the Mission, Vision and Values of Mount Saint John.
This position is responsible for providing direct youth Treatment and supervision to students which includes but is not
limited to maintenance of therapeutic milieu using the Psycho-Educational Model of treatment (PEM), provision of a
safe environment, and monitoring of basic physical needs. Serves as a role model for ethical behavior and promotes an
awareness and understanding of positive ethical and moral principles with the Mission, Vision and Values of Mount
Saint John.
The Lead Counselor’s responsibilities will include those of the Shift Coordinator. On occasion, as part of continued
training and program management, the Lead Counselor will be required to function as the Shift Coordinator. During
these times, the Lead Counselor will perform the Shift Coordinator duties as outlined in the second part of Essential
Functions below.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of
this job.
Consistently follow PEM guidelines. Assists youth in acknowledging and accepting responsibility for behavioral
patterns by providing feedback, positive reinforcement, and instruction in replacement socialization skills, problem
solving, and independent living skills throughout the treatment milieu.
Provides consistent supervision of assigned students to assure safety in all program and non-program areas, following
house guidelines for procedures and the protection of youth rights.
Properly operates the House during his/her shift, which includes additional paperwork responsibilities (Work-to-Work,
chore assignments, Whereabouts Sheets organizing, and house safety inspections) among other duties.
Functions to facilitate various supportive and educational group activities, or functions under the direction of a
professional with specific responsibility for group activity.
Provides daily documentation of youth behavior and activity as assigned following all program and documentation
guidelines.
Provides supervision and Treatment of youth to and from departments for appointments or recreational activities as
assigned. It is expected that all program and state guidelines and regulations be followed in the operation of program
vehicles.
Displays professionalism through willingness to act as a team member.
Models appropriate life skills behaviors including hygiene, grooming, dress, manners and language.
Shift Coordinator Responsibilities
Performs all necessary functions delegated to him/her to ensure the smooth operation of the shift.
Completes and distributes Shift report prior to leaving shift.
Ensures staff complete all applicable Incident Reports (IRs) – checking IR database before end of shift to verify.
Must be able to perform de-escalation techniques when an individual is exhibiting escalated, aggressive, and/or
assaultive behavior towards himself or towards staff (i.e. behaviors that might be harmful for their personal health
& safety or the health and safety of others).
Ensures youth receive medications as prescribed.
In absence of, and in concert with Residential Treatment Manager and/or Program Director responsible for
appropriate intervention and when necessary, will speak with police, DCF and/or parents.
Ensures staff coverage, proper coverage in Houses, documents sick/out. Mandates staff as necessary.
Communicates staff callouts or issues to Residential Treatment Manager.
Provides House coverage as needed.
Is present during all restraints and seclusions or any escalated issue or crisis.
Conducts change of shift with incoming Shift Coordinator/Residential Treatment Manager/Lead Counselor.
MSJ building safety issues; lock up; tour of facility and grounds.
Responsible for all keys to agency vehicles, weight room, Jimmy Miller Room, Ball Bag, Computer Room.
Locks up gym after the last evening activity; unlock Gym before school starts.
Manages/conducts all functions related to AWP returns by performing the following:
Urine Screens
Bag Searches
Personal Searches
Manages the agency vehicles by performing the following:
Inspect vehicles after usage;
Collect and keep copies of Vehicle Usage Forms;
Arrange for vans to be kept clean and free of damage or graffiti.
Required Experience, Education, Skills and Working Conditions
Bachelor’s Degree in human services or behavioral health field preferred or related experience, with at least two (2)
years in a residential setting. Some supervisory experience. CPR, TCI, Medication Administration Certification and
PEM certification. Valid Connecticut drivers license with good driving record.
Ability and tolerance to work under adverse conditions such as constant interruptions, inappropriate behaviors, and
dealing with potential verbal and physical threats from youth; Ability to resolve conflict in crisis situations; Ability to
communicate concisely, and work well with diverse professional staff, youth and co-workers; Maintain appropriate
level of confidentiality; Demonstrated ability to affect planned change in a positive manner. Typically, the work
involves being in close contact with the residents of the facility, where the noise level is usually moderate.
Occasionally must conduct searches of residents and their rooms and other areas of the facility.
Physical Demands - Occasionally must use physical force. Must have the ability to exert sufficient force which may
stress any and all muscles and bones to conduct a safe physical intervention when necessary. Must be able to perform
de-escalation techniques when an individual is exhibiting escalated, aggressive, and/or assaultive behavior towards
himself or towards staff (i.e. behaviors that might be harmful for their personal health & safety or the health and safety
of others.) De-escalation techniques can be either verbal or physical, depending on the level of escalated, aggressive
and/or assaultive behavior of the youth.
Disclaimer
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of
fundamental job duties. All essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably
accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills,
aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum
levels of knowledge, skill or abilities.
This job in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this
position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other jobrelated duties requested by any person authorized to give instruction or assignments.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.
Mount Saint John is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Lead Residential Treatment Counselor 2011