Job Description

Residential Rehabilitation Worker (Counselor)Compensation: $22.4471 - $24.3364Unionized Position: For Part-time and Full-time EmployeesHours of Work: Shift work - variesUnion: NSGEUPosition Type: Full time, PermanentUnder 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.

ResponsibilitiesThe 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 needsClient 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 clientxe2x80x99s 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 clientxe2x80x99s 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 clientxe2x80x99s files up to date- Read recent entries in each clientxe2x80x99s 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 clientsSafety/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 liftGeneral- 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 neededKey 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

Health Association Nova Scotia