Lead Residential Treatment Counselor
Mount Saint John, Inc.
Position Description and Primary Requirements
Under the supervision of the Clinical House Manager when functioning as Lead; and the Director of Residential
Treatment Services when functioning as Shift Coordinator, the Lead Residential Treatment Counselor is responsible for
collaborating and attaining cohesion and consistency interdepartmentally. This position may be asked to assume specific
leadership responsibilities as appropriate. In the absence of the 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 youth 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 (Workto-Work, chore assignments, Whereabout Sheets organizing, House safety inspections). Additionally will be
responsible for assuring staff are performing their duties as outlined for each shift.
Bathroom checks for sanitation after use by each resident.
Bedding cleaned: sheets washed weekly; comforters brought to laundry to be cleaned monthly.
Oversight of residents to assure they are keeping their sleeping quarters clean.
Supervision of residents in each house to clean bathrooms daily. Residential staff responsible for
maintaining bathrooms on a regular basis to deep clean areas that residents may have missed.
Supervision of residents to clean kitchens daily; with additional cleaning by residential staff as
needed.
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 House 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 call-outs. Mandates staff as necessary.
Communicates staff call-outs or issues to House 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.
MSJ building safety issues; lock up; tour of facility and grounds.
Responsible for all keys to agency vehicles and various activity rooms.
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:
o Urine Screens
o Bag Searches
o Personal Searches
Manages the agency vehicles by performing the following:
o Inspect vehicles after usage;
o Collect and keep copies of Vehicle Usage Forms;
o Arrange for vans to be kept clean and free of damage or graffiti.
Required Experience, Education, Skills and Working Conditions
Required experience and education include a minimum of an Associates Degree in human services or a behavioral health
field, plus three (3) years experience, preferably in a residential setting. Some supervisory experience. Ability to be
trained in the therapeutic milieu using the Psycho-Educational Model of treatment (PEM) employed at Mount Saint John;
the therapeutic crisis intervention (TCI) model for verbal and physical de-escalation; and First Aid/CPR; and pass all
required exams for certification in each of the training areas. Also required is a valid Connecticut driver 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 deescalation 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. Lifting of 25 pounds or more infrequently required. Majority of shift is spent in
constant motion with long periods of standing, walking, frequent bending, stretching and repetitive motions. Must be
able to communicate clearly and possess the ability to meet multiple job demands in a busy environment. May be
required to operate Agency motor vehicles and transport youth.
Mount Saint John, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.