Acute Residential Counselor Adult - Community Apartments

Howard Center - Burlington, VT

Full-time - Entry Level

Burlington, VT

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

About the position

The Acute Residential Counselor for Adults at Howard Center plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining a therapeutic environment for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, particularly those with a history of homelessness. This position is centered around the Community Apartments program, which is designed to support adults who are navigating the complexities of mental health and substance abuse issues, often following past hospitalizations. The counselor will be responsible for implementing individualized treatment plans tailored to each resident's needs, ensuring that they receive the appropriate support and guidance to foster their recovery and independence. In this role, the counselor will not only focus on the therapeutic aspects but also emphasize teaching essential independent living skills. This includes helping residents develop daily living skills, manage their health and wellness, and navigate community resources effectively. The counselor will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to assess residents' progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary, ensuring that each individual receives comprehensive care that addresses their unique challenges. The position requires a compassionate and patient-centered approach, as counselors will engage with residents in various stages of their recovery journey. Building trust and rapport is essential, as many residents may have experienced significant trauma and instability in their lives. The counselor will also facilitate group activities and discussions that promote social interaction and community building among residents, fostering a sense of belonging and support within the program.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a therapeutic environment for residents.
• Implement individualized treatment plans for each resident.
• Teach independent living skills to residents.
• Assist residents in managing their mental health and substance use challenges.
• Facilitate group activities and discussions to promote community building.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to assess and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Support residents in navigating community resources and services.

Requirements

• Experience working with adults facing mental health and substance use challenges.
• Knowledge of independent living skills and how to teach them effectively.
• Ability to create a supportive and therapeutic environment for residents.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with residents.
• Experience in implementing treatment plans and assessing resident progress.

Nice-to-haves

• Certification in mental health counseling or related field.
• Experience in residential treatment settings.
• Familiarity with community resources for mental health and substance use support.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.