The Residential Counselor supports residents in their recovery by implementing individualized service plans and maintaining a safe, structured environment. They are responsible for ensuring the orderliness of the facility and fostering positive relationships with residents and their families.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of relevant experience. Preferred qualifications include a degree in human services and certifications such as CRPA or CASAC.
high schoolassociate degreebachelor degreeDocumentationEmpathyDe-escalationProfessional boundariesPerson-centered careInterpersonal communicationCrisis interventionMotivational interviewingCase managementSafety monitoringSubstance use treatmentMental health first aid
Job description
Job DetailsJob Location
Ithaca
Sober
Living
Home -
Ithaca,
NY 14850Position
Type:
Part
TimeSalary
Range: $20.00 - $21.00
HourlyJob
Category: Health CareTo be considered for any SJCS careers all applicants must apply using this link
SJCS
Careers
We are seeking sub coverage for all shifts: 12a-8a, 8a-4p, and 4p-12a. Subs with evening, weekend, and overnight availability would be ideal. About St. John’s Community Services Founded in 1868, St. John’s Community Services is a private not for profit organization driven by our mission of advancing inclusive communities where every person, regardless of circumstances, has the opportunity to live their best life. About Serenity House Serenity House is a residential treatment program located in Ithaca that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds who are recovering from substance use disorders and seeking long-term rehabilitation support. Through client-centered residential care, we work collaboratively with residents to support their reintegration into the community through counseling, vocational opportunities, life skills development, and connections to local resources. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented services that promote dignity, growth, and long-term wellness.
Ideal
Qualities and
Skills: Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive care to diverse populations Strong understanding of professional ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality requirements Commitment to empowering residents to achieve individualized treatment and recovery goals Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while remaining flexible and proactive Willingness to seek clarification, support, and feedback when needed Ability to appropriately utilize crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe environment Knowledge of substance use disorders, recovery principles, current treatment trends, and recovery culture Familiarity with mental health first aid principles and behavioral health support strategies Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills Ability to complete timely, accurate, and professional documentation using electronic systems Commitment to maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards in residential care services
Required
Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent
Benefits
Vacation
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement plans
Paid time off
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Sick time
Connectivity reimbursements
A year or more of relevant experience
Desired
Qualifications: CRPA or working toward a CRPA certification CASAC or working towards CASAC certification Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, or related field
Core
Responsibilities and
Tasks: Ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, staff, and visitors within the residential program Provide person-centered, recovery-oriented care that respects each resident’s dignity, integrity, autonomy, and individualized treatment goals Facilitate and co-facilitate educational groups and community events Maintain orderliness, cleanliness, structure, and consistency within the program’s daily operations to support a safe and therapeutic environment Develop, foster, and maintain positive, collaborative, and professional relationships with residents, families, referral sources, and SJCS team members Orienting residents to the program, Conducting safety and checks for unsafe items in residents rooms and common areas Complete daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to assist in maintaining operations of the house Maintain a safe residential environment by minimizing unsafe items, monitoring community safety concerns, and maintaining awareness of resident and staff whereabouts in accordance with emergency protocols and program expectations Maintain the therapeutic integrity of the residential community by actively engaging with residents, modeling healthy behaviors, reinforcing positive decision-making, and redirecting unsafe or counterproductive behaviors using empathy and professionalism Support residents through teachable moments by modeling communication skills, emotional regulation, healthy coping skills, conflict resolution, and recovery-oriented decision-making Complete all required documentation, reports, shift notes, and electronic records accurately and within established timeframes Participate actively in shift transitions, team communication, supervision, training, and other assigned program activities Assist residents with daily living skills (e.g., routines, hygiene, time management, accountability) Monitor resident behavior, mood changes, and overall functioning, and report concerns appropriately Support residents with self medication administrative, completing daily MAR, and medication counts QualificationsThis list of responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this position is not in its entirety as other duties may be assigned and are expected to be followed.
All
SJCS employees must: Obtain a valid health certificate to meet current funding authority requirements as required. Having a valid state-issued driver’s license with a current driving record in good standing is required. Meet SJCS and the funding authority requirement of criminal background and record checks.
Physical and environmental conditions include: Work requires no unusual demand for physical effort except the normal risks or discomforts, requiring special safety precautions for operating a motor vehicle. Some travel – less than 10%. The hiring range for this position ranges from $20 to $21 an hour and is dependent on experience.
Other benefits include the following: Medical, dental, vision, STD, and other benefits and company contributions Retirement plans. Company paid LTD. Connectivity reimbursements (some employees) PTO, Vacation, and sick time off. Flexibility Helping other people live their best life! Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
