Title:  Residential Counselor II

Overview

This is for night shift positions. There is a night shift differential ($4.00/hr) and weekend differential ($1.50/hr).

Class Definition

Residential Counselor II’s specialized technical level work and provides intensive, culturally sensitive, clinical support and therapeutic opportunities in both a residential setting and in the community, to individuals with cognitive and mental health challenges whose needs are complex and range in intensity. Residential Counselor II duties differ from a Residential Counselor I in the complexity of the work and the increased opportunity for autonomy.  Employees in this class receive formal instruction/training related to specific clinical practices and will be required to participate in and/or provide training to other employees as a routine assignment in addition to performing regular resident care duties.  The Residential Counselor II will be required to participate in morning rounds, take a lead role in offering groups/activities and will be asked to facilitate house meetings on a rotation.  There is significant collaboration with floor staff, Residential Care Managers, Activities Therapists, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, outside providers, and families and visitors. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Psychiatric Nurse, Residential Counselor III, and/or the Assistant Director of Clinical Services. The Residential Counselor II demonstrates positive role modeling in promoting and maintaining an appropriate therapeutic milieu for residents. This position is expected to consistently communicate in a professional and respectful manner.

All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Who May Apply

This position, Residential Counselor II (Job Requisition #51256), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact troy.parah1@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.

Candidates, including current State employees seeking transfer, promotion, demotion, or persons exercising re-employment rights, must pass a fingerprint supported background investigation applicable to the position.  Additionally, in accordance with AHS Policy 4.02 - Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates. Hiring managers will notify applicants who are in the final stage of the interview process of the finger-printing and background check requirement, to which an applicant must agree to be deemed eligible for this position. Applicants will have the right to withdraw their applications before finger-printing and/or a background investigation is conducted.

Environmental Factors

Employees regularly interact with individuals experiencing serious mental illness, who present with various levels of risk to self or others such as assaultive behavior, elopement risk, self-harm, suicide; and may be exposed to infectious diseases and caustic detergents.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent AND four (4) years or more of work experience, military service or college training INCLUDING three (3) years or more of experience in a human services setting. 

OR

Associate's degree in a human services field AND two (2) years of work experience or military service.

OR

Bachelor's degree in a human services field AND one (1) year of work experience or military experience.

OR

Six (6) months experience as a Residential Counselor I.

Special Requirements

Active Driver’s License is required.

Overtime work may be required to maintain safe staffing levels and is considered a condition of employment. The ability to work overtime as required is considered an essential function of this job class. 

Mental and physical condition appropriate to successfully perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, the essential job functions.

As part of RVTR’s compliance with OSHA standard 1910.134(c) which requires employers to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program, RVTR administers fit testing procedures within this standard on site with all RVTR personnel as part of their initial facility orientation and annually thereafter.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.