Senior Residential Counselor - Department of Family and Children Services

Under general supervision, to assist in the coordination and direction of residential facility activities; to provide lead direction and assignment coordination for residential facility staff; and to provide guidance, assistance, supervision and direction to youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs at a licensed facility providing twenty-four (24) hour residential care. The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed. Provides lead direction, training and work review to the Residential Counselors in assigned shift ensuring appropriate care and supervision is provided to children in accordance with applicable law, licensing regulations, and facility policies; Consistently models and implements the residential program of care and counseling in working with the children; provides technical guidance and leadership regarding the residential program to other residential facility staff; trains other staff in implementation of the residential program of care; Ensures youth have access to routine and developmentally appropriate experiences, including health, education, and social opportunities, consistent with the role of a caring, responsible adult; Provides lead direction and oversight in developing, planning and implementing individual care plan for youth in their care; Assesses and evaluates each child's emotional, behavioral, and social functioning on a daily basis; Oversees and coordinates recreational activities that support treatment goals, build healthy relationships, foster a sense of belonging, and support emotional regulation; Leads daily group therapy or psychoeducation sessions intended to build coping skills, improve interactions, foster pro-social behavior and support emotional well-being through developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed and relationally oriented counseling techniques; Provides support through individual rehabilitation sessions that support the child's care plan, self-image, and daily needs; Implements strength-based approaches to support youth to improve their behavioral and emotional functioning and reduce their reliance on maladaptive behavior through encouragement, consistency, and natural consequences aligned with treatment goals; Provides support and guidance to youth in addressing substance use needs through counseling and psychoeducation, while promoting problem-solving skills, relapse prevention, and maintaining a substance free living environment; Collaborates with program staff to implement strategies to support youth in achieving their treatment, educational, and vocational goals; Collaborates with internal and external providers, to ensure transitions, services, and daily supports are youth-centered, timely, and aligned with care goals; Prepares necessary and assigned documentation such as resident files, incident reports, maintenance requests, daily logs, and billing-related documentation in accordance with regulatory and program standards; Leads and oversees the routine organization, care, and maintenance of the residential facilities and property; Teaches, supports, and provides the development of daily living and independent living skills, including basic cooking, meal planning, grocery shopping, personal organization, household responsibilities, and other everyday tasks appropriate for youth's age and developmental level; Administers first aid and obtains medical care at a level commiserate with symptoms; Dispenses prescribed medication in accordance with the medical provider's instructions and ensures all medications are securely stored and accurately documented; Supervises and teaches personal hygiene for youth, as needed; Intervenes in crisis situations and directs such interventions consistent with training and policy, with a focus on de-escalation, prioritization of safety, and the least restrictive interventions, while consulting with supervisory support, when necessary; Transports children in county vehicles to and from outside appointments, school, activities and events; Participates in and/or leads meetings and in-service training related to assignment; Assists with the administrative tasks of the residential facility such as scheduling, record keeping, and communication with other related parties; accepts special assignments related to residential program changes, planning, and development; May work as the assigned on-duty supervisor or Residential Manager, when assigned, in their absence; May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required•; Performs other related duties, as required. Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note :

The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a Master's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education, Social Work, Child Development, or related field; and Three (3) years of full-time experience providing guidance, assistance, supervision and direction to youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs at a residential facility. OR Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education, Social Work, Child Development, or related field; and Five (5) years of full-time experience providing guidance, assistance, supervision and direction to youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs at a residential facility. Special Requirements Some positions may require Live Scan and other background clearances as required by licensing and County policies. Some positions may require possession of Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification, upon appointment. Once certification is obtained, must maintain for the duration of employment in the classification. Some positions may require provider credentialing, prior to appointment; and once credentialing is received, to maintain credentialing for the duration of employment in the classification. Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization. •As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of :

Principles and techniques of staff leadership and training; Child and adolescent development, stages and behavior; Principles and practices of care and support for youth with emotional and behavioral health needs in residential environments; Group dynamics; Common safety practices and procedures including first aid, CPR, and use of Naloxone; Individual and group counseling techniques, with an emphasis on strength-based approaches to support emotional regulation and positive behavior change; Substance use indicators, relapse prevention strategies, and approaches to supporting youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs; Growth and hygiene needs of children and adolescents; Common emotional and behavioral responses to separation, trauma, and grief; English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; Common computer systems and applications; Ability to : Lead and train subordinate staff; Prioritize and schedule workloads, lead, and direct residential facility functions; Get along well with youth and adults, and gain their confidence and respect; Provide care for youth at the residential facility; Work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team; Sense, evaluate, and handle tense group and individual situations as they develop and a willingness to accept responsibility for decisions; Exercise good judgment and act calmly in emergency situations; Administer first aid; Navigate systems of care and assist youth and families in accessing services and supports; Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies; Use computer systems and applications. Work flexible and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; Bend, stretch, twist, and reach; Carry up to fifteen (15) pounds; Restrain children or youth for the safety and protection of themselves and others.