TRANSITIONS INCORPORATED
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Primary Counselor
SUPERVISOR: Program Director
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts of Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field required. Significant life experience may be substituted for formal education at the discretion of the Executive Director.
JOB SUMMARY:
Works with Program Director, Treatment Supervisor and Senior
Counselors to provide comprehensive treatment to clients
through education groups and counseling on an individual basis.
AGENCY REQUIREMENTS
All employees of Transitions Incorporated are required 1) to arrive on time for their scheduled shift: 2) to contact the Program Director as soon as possible if unable to work a scheduled shift; 3) to maintain a professional attitude and atmosphere through strict adherence to the Transitions Code of Ethics, Non-Fraternization policy, Infection Control Policy, Fire-Safety Policy, Drug Free Workplace standards, dress code, etc., as outlined in the Personnel Policies and Appendixes; and 4) to uphold and maintain the Personnel Policies (including Appendixes).
ESSENTIAL JOB ELEMENTS:
It is essential that primary counselors….
1) …remain alert and attentive throughout their shift.
2) …render emergency first aid and CPR when needed and coordinate emergency efforts in case of fire, tornado, etc.
3) …visually identify residents during hourly checks of all areas of the building.
4) …communicate (both oral and written) with clients, other staff and the public.
5) …respond appropriately to emotional and physical crises of clients.
6) …remain aware and cognizant of client activity and activities within the house and monitor signs of client sobriety through visual, auditory, and olfactory observations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Manages individual case load including, but not limited to:
a. Development of treatment plans.
b. Meets regularly with clients as determined by Treatment Supervisor.
c. Coordinates, authorizes and refers for case management issues.
d. Maintains client’s files.
e. Prepares monthly progress reports and other paperwork as needed.
f. Timely completion of Termination Summaries.
g. Verification of furloughs.
h. Location checks and employment verification.
2. Implements educational group activities including, but not limited to:
a. Develops educational groups in consultation with Treatment Supervisor.
b. Presents or facilities designated number of groups per week.
c. Provides input to Treatment Supervisor on relevance of educational group sessions.
3. Maintains awareness of current developments pertinent to the field.
4. Maintains safety and security of the facility as assigned, including, but not limited to:
a. Monitors house safety and security through a minimum of hourly checks of all floors and residents to insure all residents present and/or accounted for and the security of the building is maintained.
b. Oversees cleanliness of facility.
c. Monitors all house supplies and their proper distribution, especially food and paper goods.
d. Monitors, maintains and orders food inventory as assigned.
e. Monitors behavior of all visitors in the house for appropriateness.
f. Performs breathalyzer tests and take urine samples when appropriate.
g. Reads log book and supplementary notes upon arrival for duty.
h. Handles staff office duties when needed or assigned (including, but not limited to: signing clients in and out, monitoring self-administered medications, keeping door alarm programmed, answering clients’ questions, greeting and screening anyone who enters house).
i. Enforces all house rules.
(Continuation of Responsibilities)
5. Communicates activities of self and residents to other staff in a timely and understandable manner including, but not limited to:
a. Records daily notations of significant contact in individual files.
b. Records any and all pertinent information in log book.
c. Concise and accurate written documentation in the log and client files of any rule violation.
6. Provides counseling and other services to residents including, but not limited to:
a. Remains accessible and available to meet residents’ needs.
b. Provides crisis counseling to residents as needed.
c. Provides telephone crisis intervention, making referrals to appropriate agencies or a community resource who would provide additional services.
7. Assumes house duties as needed or assigned, including, but not limited to:
a. Facilitates recreational activities.
b. Orientation of new clients and staff.
c. Maintains house security.
d. Transportation of clients in agency van.
e. Monitoring and collection of client fees.
f. Coordination of meals.
8. Attends all staff meetings and in-service sessions unless excused by Program Director.
9. Develops and maintains a network of community referrals.
10. Represents Transitions in a positive and professional manner in all community interactions.
11. Assists in other Transitions’ programs as needed or assigned.
12. Communicates with peers from other Transitions’ components regarding common clients.
13. Other clinical, residential or administrative duties as needed or assigned.
Signed____________________________________________ Date________________
Rev. 12/00
1