Residence Counselor - 441 Residence

About Fountain House

At Fountain House, we believe in the power of community to transform the lives of individuals with serious mental illness. Every day, thousands of members choose to come to Fountain House to contribute their talents, learn new skills, access opportunities, and form friendships. Members and staff operate successful employment, education, wellness programs and work as partners to perform all the functions that keep our community going. The Fountain House model has been replicated in more than 300 locations in 30 countries and 32 states and currently serves more than 100,000 people with mental illness worldwide. As originators of this approach, we provide leadership by constantly advancing the practice and by leading the conversation around mental health recovery. As a result, Fountain House has created a comprehensive Community System of Care. This includes Clubhouses in Manhattan, the Bronx, Hollywood, California and Care Management, Home and Community-Based Services and a large housing program ranging from 24 hour supervised residences to scattered site supported apartments. We are committed to reducing social isolation, advocating for mental health policy change, and driving solutions that empower our members

Position

Fountain House's housing program provides a sense of safety and stability, ensuring that (individuals living with mental illness(es) our "members" remain housed; establish a safe space for recovery; develop independent living skills; increase their self-sufficiency and build a strong foundation from which they can achieve their life goals.

Our Residential Counselors (RC) will provide exemplary care and support to our member residents. We strive to create a safe, caring, and collaborative community where our members will thrive and achieve their goals by providing support to members' daily lives.

$23.48 per hour

Tuesday to Saturday; 2pm to 10pm

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Member Support

• Engage and support members with apartment maintenance and cleanliness, training in necessary tasks for the upkeep of the residence environment and personal well-being of resident members
• Participate in an integrated care team providing feedback, advocacy and support to FH clinical staff, case management support staff, vocational staff, and social practitioners
• Assist members with all aspects of community support services and case management work (including housing and entitlements, clinical linkage, and follow-up, etc.)
• Support a caseload between three- four members-member's list assignment is up to four depending on census
• Complete weekly progress notes for each assigned member in accordance with the guidelines of the Office of Mental Health (OMH)
• Develop Service Plans and complete Service Plan Reviews every 3-months for each assigned member in accordance with the guidelines Office of Mental Health (OMH)
• Observe the self-administration of member's medication and document on the medication monitoring sheets
• Accompany members with medical appointments, clubhouse visits, and community engagements
• Oversee and assist members with activities of daily life skills (ADL) that includes cleaning, proper hygiene, medication management skills, money management, fire safety, cooking, etc.
• Conduct rounds to ensure safeguards are in place throughout residential space, for member safety
• De-escalate potential member crises and alert supervisor of ongoing issues when necessary
• Liaise with social practitioners to encourage consistent unit attendance for positive social wellbeing
• Create problem-solving strategies to address member crises

Building Safety & Maintenance

• Conduct rounds to ensure safeguards are in place throughout residential space, for member safety
• Request work orders for building maintenance that adhere to city and state guidelines, including fire safety drills, and keeping maintenance logs

General Duties

• Transport members to community activities or medical appointments per request
• Responsible for reception duties of the residence including answering the phones, scheduling, and taking accurate messages
• Attend staff meetings and professional development training as required
• Other duties may be assigned as needed

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and keeping member confidentiality
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with external providers such as physicians, social security, and Medicaid providers
• Proven writing skills for accurate documentation and progress notes
• Excellent computer and software proficiency (MS Office - Word, Excel, and Outlook) required
• Experience with AWARDS database (EHR) for progress notes and documentation preferred
• Must be able to work under pressure during a crisis
• Able to meet deadlines for documentation and any other necessary duties
• Must be able to work independently, multitask and conduct assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices
• Positive, energetic, dynamic, and engaging demeanor is essential
• Experience and capacity to work with members experiencing mental health issues

REQUIRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND CREDENTIALS

• Undergraduate degree required or an equivalent work experience and training in similar settings required
• 1-3+ years' work experience in a residential, housing, or similar setting required
• Provide exceptional ongoing support and member confidentiality
• Flexible and able to work any residential shift, including evenings and weekends, as needed
• Valid Driver's License highly preferred, not required