Counselor

Title: Counselor

Reports To: Assistant Director

General: 

Under the direction of the Assistant Director, a Counselor is responsible for the supervision and continued implementation of the agency’s policies and procedures in all areas related to the counseling and treatment programs, and all applicable documentation.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITES and COMPETENCIES:

Responsibilities and Competencies of a Counselor include, but are not limited to:

1. Monitoring Residents

• Completes the intake process on all new arrivals including Orientation and fingerprint cards;
• Develops, coordinates, monitors, evaluates and documents individual program planning according to the specific needs of each client, to include relevant program goals, referrals, and individual, family, and group counseling strategies;
• Guides, monitors and documents relevant aspects of resident movement, behavior and progress;
• Proficient use of in-house database system, SecurManage, demonstrating timely use of and timely recordkeeping
• Responsible for timely submission of resident’s release plans, subsistence reductions, monthly reports, budgets, driving request, home confinement  plans, aftercare reports, weeklies, and termination reports;
• Ensures correct number of urine screens are collected each month for resident case load;
• Communicates all relevant information to supervisory staff, in regard to the agency, the facility and the resident;
• Initiates and maintains cooperative and effective liaison activities with supervising authorities and other agencies, community groups, and professional associations;

• Monitoring residents on electronic monitoring through proficient use of the 3M online monitoring software;
• Management and oversight of resident schedules through input in SecurManage database system;
• Verification of employment and completing regular employment checks;
• Responsible for signing weekend passes;
• Responding to audit of case record within 7 days;
• Communicates special needs of resident to appropriate staff member, i.e. special diet requirements;
• Collects subsistence payments following proper procedures;
• Reviews resident’s medication list for continuity and accuracy;
• Assisting clients in locating employment, suitable housing, and meeting medical needs through proficient knowledge of community services and resources;
• Collects urine screen on in-patient residents as well as individuals from contract sources;
• Proficient knowledge of how to correctly perform pat downs and/or wanding of residents.
• First Responder to PREA incidents.

2. Monitoring Facility

• Ensures physical facility safety/sanitation standards are maintained;
• Reports maintenance issues to maintenance personnel via work order, and reports emergency issues immediately to the Executive Director;
• Conducts random house and vehicle searches.

3. Sanitation

• General housekeeping of work place to include emptying individual office trash, vacuuming and/or swiping floors and dusting as necessary.

4. Policies and Procedures

• Maintains proficient knowledge of Midway Policies and Operational procedures: emergency drills, life safety, facility sanitation, writing and processing of incident reports, handling of unusual occurrence procedures, including escapes, and PREA procedures.

5. Organizational Support

• Maintains accurate and detailed records on residents;
• Maintains confidentiality of client records;
• Follows Midway policies and procedures;
• Completes tasks correctly and on-time;
• Follows instructions, responding to management direction.

6. Wok Schedule

• In the event of a work stoppage, works the hours necessary to staff the facility;
• Accepts reassigned shifts with limited notice;
• Attends and participates in all required meetings/training;
• Willingness to work at least two late nights.

7. Ethics

• Upholds organizational values,
• Treats people with dignity and respect;
• Works with integrity;
• Maintains confidentiality.

8. Communication and Language Skills

• Listens and seeks clarification;
• Writes or types clearly and informatively.
• Ability to read, interpret and enforce rules, policies and procedures;
• Ability to understand and apply equipment operating instructions;
• Ability to speak clearly and informatively

9. Quality

• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in all work related tasks and communications.

10. Dependability

• Completes tasks on time and notifies appropriate persons when tasks are not completed;
• Is consistently on time for work, does not take advantage of sick leave.

11. Initiative

• Self-Starter, works independently with minimal direct supervision;
• Asks for and offers help when needed;
• Willing team player.

12. Reasoning

• Ability to manage difficult or emotional situations;
• Ability to carry out instructions in written, oral and diagram form;
• Ability to problem solve.

13. Certifications and Skills

• Obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid Certification;
• Possess and maintain valid Driver’s License with an F endorsement;
• Maintain all credentialing for licensures;
• Pursues requested licenses and certificates as directed by supervisory staff
• Maintains current knowledge of community services and resources;

Qualifications

Have a least at B.A/B.S. degree in human services or related field with experience or training in management and counseling.    Must either possess a license as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor or be willing to seek licensure.  Must have experience working with people with A&D / Legal problems.  Must be able to work as a team member and take direction from supervisory staff. Must have valid Tennessee driver’s license (Class D; Specification F) and obtain first aid and C.P.R. certifications during the orientation period.  Must be willing to work unscheduled hours as needed and participate in meetings/trainings.  Must be willing to take continuing education in the A&D and Corrections fields.  Should be self-starting and have a positive attitude.

Qualifications: