RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR

Job Details

Description Part Time Shifts Available Sat, Sun 3pm-11pm Full Time: Mon-Fri 3pm-11pm SCO Family of Services is currently seeking compassionate Residential Counselor to join our team in our Madonna Heights Morning Star programs. Our Morning star program provide a safe and structured environment for Women in recovery, while our Residential Counselors assist our clients in developing a drug and alcohol-free, self-supporting lifestyle.

I. Specific Responsibilities Shift Leadership & Resident Safety

• Run the residential shift and maintain program structure and routines.
• Ensure resident safety at all times through active supervision and monitoring.
• Respond to resident concerns, conflicts, and behavioral issues in a trauma-informed manner.
• Enforce house rules consistently, respectfully, and fairly.
• Escalate safety concerns, incidents, or compliance issues immediately to supervisory staff.
• Maintain a visible and active presence throughout the residence, including regular movement through common areas and resident spaces.
• Complete and document required childcare checks twice per shift, as applicable(MS2)

House Operations & Daily Structure

• Ensure the residence is clean, safe, and orderly.
• Monitor completion of assigned chores and upkeep of common and resident areas.
• Support consistent adherence to daily schedules and routines.
• Address environmental or behavioral issues that impact safety or program functioning.

Communication, Escalation & Shift Handoff

• Communicate relevant updates, concerns, and incidents to the Residential Coordinator or Program Supervisor.
• Read the communication book at the start of each shift and document as required.
• Complete log book entries each shift.
• Provide and receive clear verbal shift reports during staff handoff to ensure continuity of care.
• Review staff meeting minutes when unable to attend scheduled meetings.

Documentation & Electronic Health Record (EHR)

• Complete accurate and timely daily shift notes in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Document resident observations, incidents, significant interactions, and meetings facilitated during the shift.
• Document medication observation, toxicology screens, room checks, and searches in accordance with policy.
• Ensure all documentation is factual, objective, role-appropriate, and completed before the end of the shift.

Inventory, Medication Observation & Monitoring

• Complete controlled inventory at the beginning and end of each shift with a second staff member present.
• Report inventory discrepancies immediately.
• Observe residents self-administer medication in accordance with program policy.
• Ensure medication procedures are followed precisely and documented accurately.

Room Checks, Searches & Toxicology

• Conduct and document daily room checks.
• Complete bag searches in accordance with policy.
• Administer and document urine toxicology screens as assigned.
• Ensure all monitoring activities are conducted respectfully, consistently, and in compliance with program standards.

Meetings & Program Activities

• Facilitate or support assigned program meetings, including daily, weekly, or monthly house meetings.
• Document all meetings facilitated in the EHR.
• Support program activities as directed by supervisory staff.

Facility & Maintenance Support

• Identify and report maintenance or safety concerns during shifts.
• Complete or assist with work order submissions as directed.
• Escalate urgent facility or safety issues immediately.

Professional Standards & Accountability

• Maintain professional boundaries with residents at all times.
• Follow all SCO, MSC, and OASAS policies and procedures.
• Use trauma-informed, respectful communication.
• Participate in supervision, required training, and performance evaluations.
• Seek guidance and escalate concerns appropriately when unsure how to proceed.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform additional duties related to program operations, compliance, or service delivery as assigned by the Program Supervisor, consistent with the scope and level of the position

Ii. Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.
• Experience working in residential, behavioral health, substance use, or human services settings preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented environments.
• Ability to maintain clear documentation and follow program procedures.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and basic Microsoft 365 applications preferred.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and acceptable driving record, as applicable.
• Successful completion of required background checks and health clearances.

Iii. Knowledge, Skills, & Compentencies

• Be team players.
• Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within our organization.
• Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.
• Ability to set limits and maintain helping role of practitioner and to intervene appropriately.

Iv. Working Conditions

• On site role in a residential program.
• Shift – based schedule including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as assigned’

Benefits Include Medical insurance, Vision and Dental (for FT staff), 100% agency paid life insurance, 403B retirement plan, generous PTO package, paid training, tuition reimbursement, discounts on phone services & more!!

SCO Family of Services is an equal employment opportunity employer.