Residential Counselor II

Overview

This is for night shift positions. There is a night shift differential ($4.00/hr) and weekend differential ($1.50/hr).

 

The work accomplished by this position is directly linked to the Department of Mental Health's mission to promote mental health as a vital part of overall well-being by advancing prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused care. Our vision is that mental health is a cornerstone of health in Vermont. Vermonters live in caring, inclusive communities that respond with compassion and respect to mental health needs, ensuring everyone can thrive and participate fully in their lives. The work done toward our vision and mission uses the values of compassion, equity, integrity, collaboration, and accountability. Please review the Department's Vision, Mission, and Values at About Us | Department of Mental Health.

Class Definition

Residential Counselor II’s specialized technical level work and provides intensive, culturally sensitive, clinical support and therapeutic opportunities in both a residential setting and in the community, to individuals with cognitive and mental health challenges whose needs are complex and range in intensity. Residential Counselor II duties differ from a Residential Counselor I in the complexity of the work and the increased opportunity for autonomy.  Employees in this class receive formal instruction/training related to specific clinical practices and will be required to participate in and/or provide training to other employees as a routine assignment in addition to performing regular resident care duties.  The Residential Counselor II will be required to participate in morning rounds, take a lead role in offering groups/activities and will be asked to facilitate house meetings on a rotation.  There is significant collaboration with floor staff, Residential Care Managers, Activities Therapists, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, outside providers, and families and visitors. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Psychiatric Nurse, Residential Counselor III, and/or the Assistant Director of Clinical Services. The Residential Counselor II demonstrates positive role modeling in promoting and maintaining an appropriate therapeutic milieu for residents. This position is expected to consistently communicate in a professional and respectful manner.

All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Who May Apply

This position, Residential Counselor II (Job Requisition #53779), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact troy.parah1@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.

Candidates, including current State employees seeking transfer, promotion, demotion, or persons exercising re-employment rights, must pass a fingerprint supported background investigation applicable to the position.  Additionally, in accordance with AHS Policy 4.02 - Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates. Hiring managers will notify applicants who are in the final stage of the interview process of the finger-printing and background check requirement, to which an applicant must agree to be deemed eligible for this position. Applicants will have the right to withdraw their applications before finger-printing and/or a background investigation is conducted.

Environmental Factors

Employees regularly interact with individuals experiencing serious mental illness, who present with various levels of risk to self or others such as assaultive behavior, elopement risk, self-harm, suicide; and may be exposed to infectious diseases and caustic detergents.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent AND four (4) years or more of work experience, military service or college training INCLUDING three (3) years or more of experience in a human services setting. 

OR

Associate's degree in a human services field AND two (2) years of work experience or military service.

OR

Bachelor's degree in a human services field AND one (1) year of work experience or military experience.

OR

Six (6) months experience as a Residential Counselor I.

Special Requirements

Active Driver’s License is requir