PARAPROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Location:

Residential Rehabilitation Center (RRC)


Exempt/Non-Exempt:

Non-Exempt


Work Week/Hours:

Hours and Days vary: /Part-time and Per Diem positions


Specialty Pay:

Shift Differential : Yes

Bilingual Designated Position: YES


Union/Non-Union:

Union



Supervision:

N/A

Summary:

Oversees safety and security of the RRC facility by conducting rounds, searches, drug and alcohol testing, and other duties as assigned. Answers phones, monitors the whereabouts of residents, collects verifications, documents rule violations on appropriate forms. Maintains charts by accurate filing.

REQUIREMENTS
Experience Minimum:

One year experience in corrections, mental health, social services, counseling, security, or substance abuse treatment.



Experience Desired:

Two years experience in corrections, mental health, social services, security, or substance abuse treatment.

Experience in a residential setting.

Counseling or nursing experience with mentally ill and/or forensic populations.



Minimum Education Required:

High school diploma.

Desired Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences or related area.

Academic training in Behavioral Sciences.


Essential Skills:

Ability to work and relate effectively with multidisciplinary treatment team, clients and public.
Ability to assess patients for dangerousness and intervene in a timely, calm and appropriate manner.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to work independently, use good judgement, and remain calm in crisis situations.
Proven ability to work with adult patients.
Ability to operate selected equipment.
Legible handwriting.
Ability to work various hours and shifts.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors (i.e., cottage checks and transportation of supplies).Ability to be calm, objective, stable, and firm in situations where residents are emotional or uncooperative; with clients who have a history of criminal behaviors and/or mental disabilities; and in situations where there are assignments that must be accomplished.
Ability to appropriately accept orders and instructions from supervisors, and to appropriately give orders and instructions to residents.

Non-essential Skills:

Knowledge of psychotropic medications.
Knowledge of crisis intervention skills.
Understanding of individual, group and family psychotherapy.
Ability to type and knowledge of basic computer skills.

Minimum Certification / Licensure Required:

Criminal check approval from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and California Community Care Licensing. Must maintain a clear criminal record for continued employment eligibility.
Fire and Safety Training.*
CPR and First Aid Certification*
Type II MAB Training: Assessment and Management of Assaultive Behaviors
in the Forensic Population*


*Note: If CPR/First Aid and MAB Training are lacking, they must be obtained within 89 days of hire.