IRU Counselor Aide

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Harbor Light

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE : Counselor Aide

LOCATION / DEPT : Harbor Light / IRU

REPORTS TO : Unit Coordinator

FLSA CATEGORY : Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE : RFT / RPT / FPT

DEPARTMENT MISSION

To provide each client with positive, professional and quality service; always promoting respect dignity and fairness to each client, while making appropriate referrals which will assist clients in reaching their maximum level of independence.

PROGRAM / CLIENT ENVIRONMENT

The backgrounds of the clients served by The Harbor Light Program will manifest a variety of inappropriate behaviors. When this occurs, employees are to respond within the context of the treatment environment of the site.

Employee conduct (actions, dress, etc.) and interactions (conversations, written communications, etc.) with clients must also be within the treatment environment of the facility.

OUTCOMES

Counselor Aide support will be provided for IRU in order to ensure that the functions of this position are effectively achieved, and the unit is kept orderly at all times.

This includes client management, assistance with written and oral communication pertaining to client records and assisting clients with non-clinical needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise the unit during nights, weekends and holidays (according to his / her assigned shift and schedule) ensuring the policies and procedures are followed by IRU residents.
• Monitor residents overnight for possible emergencies such as sudden illness, fire, or other life-threatening situations.
• Contact 911 in case of medical or fire emergency. If required evacuate residents according to the disaster plan of the unit.

Contact the Resident Manager and the Unit Coordinator immediately after the evacuation is complete.

• Contact the police if serious violence occurs between residents for any reason.
• Do not permit the residents to leave the unit during off hours or permit outsiders to enter the unit except the security personnel of Harbor Light.
• The schedule of "Lights Out," "Quite Hours," "Wake-Up Time," "Breakfast Time," etc. are enforced as explained in the house rules and unit manual.
• Maintain the night log with incident reports submitted to the Unit Coordinator.
• Work with residents to schedule activities during weekends and holidays.
• Attend staff meetings and all staff development programs.
• May be scheduled to work any shift and weekends periodically by the Unit Coordinator and has agreed to such an arrangement.
• All other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Unit Coordinator.

In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively and efficiently the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

One year of experience preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Must be able to read and write.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work as a team member and well with others.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
• A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in light of changing job situations / priorities.
• At least one year of sobriety required.
• A commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation of faith-based service organizations.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Unit Coordinator informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work. Must be able to walk up two flights of stairs and lift up to 25 lbs.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and PC.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low noise level.
• Must be able to work with clients that have poor social skills, suffer from mental illness, and have substance abuse problems.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible.

Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.