Counselor Assistant

Full Job Description

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, C.M. Tucker Jr. Nurse Care Center-Roddey Pavilion, 2200 Harden St. Columbia, SC 29203.

As the Counselor Assistant, under the Supervision of the Director of Recreation and Community Outreach Services or designee (License Nurse) you will provide specialized therapeutic recreation activities to culturally diverse resident population at the Roddey Pavilion across the life span based on individualized Activity Therapy Care Plans. You will assist residents in meeting their needs for dignity and quality of life maintenance. You will utilize effective leadership and interpersonal skills, provide guidance and assist in providing and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities for the Counselor Assistant include:

Provide meaningful observations and individualized documentation of activity attendance, participation and responses related to interventions and any changes in behavior, mental and or physical state and the general well-being of residents.

Report to the Director of Recreation and Community Outreach Services or designee (License Nurse) to ensure resident safety.

Therapeutic Assistant will be assigned to perform close observations one to one (1:1) and hall monitoring on a Unit.

Foster appropriate and empathetic communication skills while maintaining a therapeutic interpersonal relationship with residents. Assist in providing a safe and therapeutic environment, utilizing de-escalation techniques and assists with crisis intervention.

Adhere to policies and procedures for: PPD policy, Mandatory education and training, Corporate Compliance, HIPAA and Harassment-Free Workplace.

Assist the Activity Therapist Department with various activities, such as providing positive interaction with the residents in a resident's room, dining room, day room and throughout the facility/grounds to include simple crafts.

Demonstrate competency in performing duties under the supervision of the Director of Recreation and Community Outreach Services.

Assist with dining process by feeding and /or assisting residents receiving regular diets and thin liquids after successful completion of the facility's feeding program.

Requirements

• Have the ability or experience to learn relevant program areas.

Additional Requirements

Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds; ability to see, hear at normal volumes, stand, walk, reach, pull, stoop, bend and climb at least two (2) or three (3) flights of stairs.

Ability to tolerate noise level and circulate in patient areas for long periods. Must be able to work with repetitive patient behaviors.

Qualifications

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
• Therapeutic Assistant (working title)
• A high school diploma or GED.

Additional Information

Post hire, employees must:

• Be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with professional staff and others, express ideas clearly and establish rapport with residents.
  
• Be able to exercise judgement and discretion in applying and interpreting SCOMH policies and procedures.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.

Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.

A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.