Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Position Summary

East House is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. We provide comprehensive services, including residential support, counseling, peer support and community outreach to empower individuals to overcome mental health and substance use disorders and lead fulfilling lives. Our mission is to foster a supportive environment that promotes healing and long-term recovery, while upholding our humanistic, optimistic, progressive, and collaborative values rooted in integrity.

The Counselor provides essential support, education, orientation, daily living skills training, case management, and crisis response to clients residing in community-based residences. This role includes helping clients with their transition to more independent living through assessment, service planning, individual and group counseling, and coordination with external providers.

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. East House considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources.

Responsibilities

Client Services and Goal Achievement

• Partners with each client to develop and implement an individualized Service Plan based on assessment and client-identified goals.
• Provides coaching, teaching, individual and group counseling within the scope of the program’s services to assist clients in achieving their goals.
• Collaborates with East House staff and external providers to coordinate client services and make referrals as needed.
• Maintains familiarity with all clients in the unit by reviewing communication logs, participating in Case Reviews, and addressing their needs during on-duty shifts.
• Provides education and support to clients’ family and friends to promote successful treatment outcomes.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of the therapeutic community within the residence.
• Manages a small case load and completes the required OASAS documentation
• Maintains familiarity with all clients in the program through participating in Case Reviews, reviewing overlap, and communication with staff.
• Coordinates with Program Manager and Financial Case Manager in assisting clients with funding and financial case management.
• Be available for weekend, holiday, and/or emergency shifts to ensure continuity of care and support for clients.

Daily Living Skills and Health & Safety

• Teaches, supports, and assists clients with daily living skills including light housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping, and maintaining safe and sanitary living conditions.
• Supervises and assists clients in following through with appointments (e.g., medical, therapy) and ensures treatment recommendations are met.
• Supervises clients in managing medications in accordance with East House policies and procedures; maintains documentation for medication management as per regulatory standards.

Program Management and Coordination

• Coordinates activities and schedules for the residence, ensuring that resources are organized and activities run smoothly.
• Facilitates individuals, groups, and activities as necessary.
• Maintains a safe and supportive living environment, ensuring that the residence remains a sober, clean, and safe space.
• Addresses any emergent client needs or crises during on-duty hours and collaborate with appropriate staff to resolve issues.

Documentation and Reporting

• Ensure all client interactions, service plans, and progress are documented accurately according to East House standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide regular updates and progress reports to supervisors and stakeholders regarding client status and goals.

Note: This job description may not cover all job duties and is subject to change without notice. Job duties, responsibilities, and/or activities may change at any time with or without notice.

About Us: East House is a leading organization committed to providing comprehensive support and services to individuals in transition to more independent community living. We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Counselor to join our team and make a positive impact on the lives of our residential clients.

Position Overview: As a Counselor, you will play a vital role in providing orientation, assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, psycho-education, case management, referrals, reporting, and documentation to our clients. You will work closely with clients to develop individualized Service Plans and support them in achieving their goals and objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Services That Address Client Goals:

· Partner with each client on the caseload to develop individualized Service Plans based on client-identified goals.

· Support clients in pursuing Service Plan goals through coaching, teaching, individual and group counseling.

· Collaborate with other East House staff and external providers for referrals and client services.

· Efficiently manage an assigned caseload while maintaining accessibility to each client.

· Provide education and support to the families and friends of clients.

· Participate in the development and maintenance of the therapeutic community.

· Maintain familiarity with all clients in the unit through Case Reviews and communication logs.

· Address the needs of residents in the unit during on-duty shifts.

· Coordinate with Program Manager and Financial Case Manager to assist clients with funding and financial matters.

Clients are Supported Through Effectively Coordinated Functions:

· Coordinate activities and maintain appropriate schedules for the location.

· Collaborate with community agencies to identify resources.

· Maintain organized resources within the facility.

· Facilitate various trainings, workshops, groups, and activities as needed.

· Provide outreach to clients.

Daily Living Skills:

· Assist in the daily operation of the residence, including light housekeeping, cooking, and supply management.

· Supervise and coach clients in developing functional skills necessary for independent living, such as cleaning, meal preparation, and maintaining a safe and sanitary environment.

Safely Managed Medications:

· Provide supervision to clients in managing their medications.

· Adhere to East House medication policies and procedures.

Documentation Standards:

·Maintain documentation to the standards defined by regulators, funders, and East House policies and procedures.

Results/Measures:

· Achievement of client goals as identified in Service Plans.

· Positive feedback from colleagues and clients regarding the effectiveness of interventions.

· Maintenance of a safe and sanitary environment within group homes or apartments.

· Adherence to medication documentation and supervision standards.

· Compliance with documentation standards as demonstrated through audits and reviews.

Physical Demands:

· Frequent sitting, handling objects, paperwork, computer work, and verbal and written communication.

· Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs., walking, standing, and reaching.

· Finger dexterity to operate a telephone and computer keyboard.

· Hearing ability to engage in normal conversation.

· Visual requirements to read documents and computer screens.

· Ability to read and interpret policies, procedures, and various other information.

· Ability to maintain emotional control under stressful situations.

Working Conditions:

· Response to crises and emergencies during on-duty hours.

· Availability for work on weekends and holidays.

· Occasional travel in Monroe County and occasional transportation of clients required.

If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals in transition and are ready to contribute to a supportive team, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to empower individuals to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.

East House is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

East House is a proud RMAPI (Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative) Level Up Champion for our commitment to social justice and promoting economic mobility in our community.

EEO Statement

East House provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability, or any other protected statuses in its hiring, promotions, and other employment activities.

Education

• Minimum of High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or other related degree preferred.
• Equivalent experience in lieu of education may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of 1-3 years’ residential support or case management experience.

Other Skills/Abilities

• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills with commitment to helping others.
• Ability to quickly adapt and be flexible in approach to job tasks and challenges and maintain emotional control under stress.
• Excellent time management skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines.
• Capability to work cooperatively with culturally diverse clients, staff, and community service providers.
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to use email, conduct online research, and create basic documents (MS Office Suite including Excel, Outlook and Word).

Licenses/Certifications

• Narcan training preferred.
• Provisional Qualified Health Professional (QHP) Status or CASAC-T required for OASAS licensed programs.

COMPETENCIES

Alignment with East House Values

• Humanistic, Collaborative, Optimistic, Progressive, Integrity.
• Represents the organization professionally and aligns with its mission.
• Performs work with integrity and in compliance with established processes, procedures, and regulations.

Accountability

• Takes responsibility for all work activities and personal actions.
• Follows through on commitments; implements decisions that have been agreed upon.
• Maintains confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Acknowledges and learns from mistakes without blaming others.
• Recognizes the impact of one’s behavior on others.

Commitment to Belonging, Respect, and Building a Supportive Community

• Values and appreciates the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of every individual.
• Actively includes others in conversations and decision-making, fostering connections by learning about others' interests, and celebrating achievements to make individuals feel valued.
• Listening without judgment, communicating and interacting politely and civilly, and acknowledging others' contributions to show appreciation and build trust.
• Offering help, encouraging collaboration, and creating safe spaces where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.

Working Conditions/Work Environment

Traditional office environment. Occasionally subjected to pressure due to time demands. Travel within the greater Rochester area. Potential for travel outside of Monroe County.

Physical Demands

The physical demands/work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, ability to reach above or below shoulders, use hands to type and/or perform light lifting and occasional stair-climbing.

Reasonable Accommodation

East House provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-238-4800 or email your request to [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.