Residential Counselor | DCF Youth Programs

*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply
*EOE M/F/D/V
The Gándara Center provides residential, mental health, substance abuse, and preventive services for children, adults, and families across the Pioneer Valley and eastern parts of Massachusetts. We believe in our communities and value cultural diversity and strive to provide culturally competent, innovative services to a diverse community. Our mission is to promote the well-being of Hispanics, African-Americans, and other culturally diverse populations, through innovative, culturally competent behavioral health, prevention, and educational services – Changing Lives one family at a time.

Make a difference in someone’s life as a Youth Residential Counselor! Residential Counselors maintain a therapeutic environment within the residence, which includes meeting the needs of the client in the following areas: safety, medical, emotional, food, clothing, and shelter. They also participate in the development of reasonable limits and structures for each child and to implement these limits on a daily basis in the residence and community in a fair and consistent manner.

Essential Job Functions Residential 1 / Residential 2 counselor 

I. Client Services – necessary to meet overall agency goals and provide services to program consumers.

To implement each client’s individual Level Plan objectives under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor and Direct Care Supervisor.
To accurately log all required documentation.
Responsible for acting as a “Staff Advocate” for one client.

II. Program and Staff Development Services

Necessary to meet overall program and agency goals, and provide support to management and program staff.
To work as a cooperative team member and to be a positive role model for clients.
To assist clients in carrying out daily tasks and responsibilities including cleaning, cooking, maintenance, and laundry. To willingly perform these tasks when clients in a fair and consistent manner.
To plan and organize a variety of appropriate recreational and social activities.
To assume other duties and responsibilities as requested by the Program Director or Program Supervisor

III. Administrative Responsibilities/Record Keeping

Necessary to meet administrative requirements of the job by government bodies, funding sources, agency policy, etc.
Knowledge of Agency policies, practices, and procedures and to meet all rules and regulations of the Agency.
Attends required mandatory Staff meetings.
Participate in all Departmental trainings as directed by Program Director.

IV. Professional Growth and Development

Necessary to develop to full potential professionally.
Seeks and uses management staff for training and supervision.
Attends Agency and Department required meetings and training.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Good communication skills both verbal and in writing.
Ability to deal with conflict in an appropriate manner.
Ability to maintain proper attendance.

Working Conditions

This position is a 40 hour a week position, five (5), eight (8) hour days unless agreed upon by the Program Director.
The Programs are twenty-four (24) hour care facilities.
Working conditions include transportation of clients between program sites, to and from scheduled training, medical appointments, etc.
This position also includes mandatory overtime. When relief of shift is unavailable, staff are required to stay until relieved by the appropriate personnel.
This job at times entails going into high crime neighborhoods. This position involves being exposed to at-risk populations.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma/GED required.
Previous work in the related field dealing with youths is preferred.
Must possess the ability to communicate effectively in a professional manner both verbally and in writing.
Ability to work as a team member.
Bilingual [English & Spanish], Bicultural encouraged to apply.
Experience working with LGBTQ, Bi-cultural, bilingual youth of different ages welcome to apply.

Success Factors

The residential Counselor should be the one who actively supports the philosophy of the Agency and maintain a high level of commitment to the clients we serve and to co-workers.
Success factors include:
Performs well under stress and in the event of a crisis.
Ability to seek out
Open, direct interpersonal style of communication.
Dependable, committed, and motivated.

The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Note: AFS Residential Counselor  I & II – This Job Ad is highlighting two separate roles. Our Hiring Team will review your educational background, experience, and skillset to determine if you qualify for a Residential Counselor 1 or Residential Counselor II.