Job Description

Residential Rehabilitation Worker (Counselor)
Compensation: $22.4471 - $24.3364
Unionized Position: For Part-time and Full-time Employees
Hours of Work: Shift work - varies
Union: NSGEU
Position Type: Full time, Permanent

Under the direction of the Small Options Homes Director, the Residential Rehabilitation Worker (RRW/Counselor) is expected to function within the Philosophy and Principles, Rules or Work and Policy Manual of Balsam Care.
Requirements

• Education/experience in a Human Services field or Community College Diploma
• One-year experience or a combination of education, training, and related work experience
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Responsibilities
The Counselor is responsible for the duties listed below along with other duties as required:
- Ensure the physical/mental health of all clients is maintained and not put at risk by other clients or staff
- Observe, document, and communicate changes in physical and mental health and to accompany clients to specific appointments when deemed necessary
- Ensure regular personal hygiene habits are followed such as bathing, tooth brushing, and personal grooming, etc.,
- Ensure healthy diets are provided and encourage healthy diets to clients
- Administer document and/or supervise medications as directed by policy and perform simple first aid
- Ensure that each client has access to recreation and leisure opportunities
- Accompany clients on recreation and leisure activities as required
- Assist with referrals to appropriate community resources, liaise with those resources on behalf to the client
- Ensure proper attire
- Ensure client comfort and clothing allowances are properly maintained
- Stimulate and support appropriate interactions and interpersonal relations within and outside of the home
- Encourage and support clients in fulfilling their individual spiritual needs
Client Care/Programming
- Teach and supervise all skills necessary to attain levels or optimum independence. Skills include, but are not limited to, independent living skills, life skills, household management skills, socialization, sexuality, etc.,
- Identify client needs and to develop, implement, and evaluate programs to meet these needs in cooperation with the program team
- Support and/or assist with clients activities and responsibilities
- Monitor and document client activities and interactions within their home
- Keep files, records, reports, daily logs, etc., up to date and in a legible professional manner
- Carry out/support/teach menu planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation ensuring nutritional needs are met
- Complete formal assessments of clients skills and progress
- Maintain, upgrade, and awareness or community resources
- Offer staff support to other homes as required Communication
- Assist in developing an interdependent team approach in the day-to-day decisions in the house
- Communicate with the House Coordinator, staff team, clients, family, municipal workers, doctors, advocates, neighbours, landlord, community service employees, etc.,
- Responsible for assessments, program plans, monthly progress reports, daily logs, medication charts and appointments, incident reports, and keeping clients files up to date
- Read recent entries in each clients progress notes at the beginning of shift
- Attend and participate in meetings as required
- Promote an atmosphere that is conducive to welcoming visitors
- Provide orientation and training to new employees, volunteers, and students
- Monitor, assess, and provide orientation to prospective clients
Safety/Maintenance
- Make appropriate decisions and take appropriate action in the time of crisis/crisis prevention
- Follow policies, procedures, and uphold standards
- Ensure the home is clean, tidy, and in a well-kept condition and all times
- Be familiar with and be able to implement Emergency Evacuation Plans and other safety measures as needed
- Recommend maintenance and replacement needs to the House Coordinator
- Ensure security of records and house upon leaving lift
General
- Act as a role model for the clients at all times
- Attend staff development sessions as requested or required
- Responsible for the operation of the home and for the safety and total physical, mental, and social well-being of the clients in the absence of the House Coordinator
- Fulfill the role of teacher/role model of the clients
- Work flexible shifts as needed
Key Skills and Abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Patient and empathetic - Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to make independent decisions and good judgement in times of crisis
- Independently motivated and creative
- Ability to work independent of constant supervision and direction
- Able to work in crisis situations and ever-changing demands on time
- Adaptable and flexible