Residential Specialist - Human Services

When you work for Gateway Hudson Valley, you make a difference in people's lives.

Our Vision: To be a leader in supporting individuals as they strive to achieve a hopeful, satisfying, active, and contributing life.

We offer Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement, Holidays, and generous PTO

POSITION SUMMARY

The Residential Specialist is a Direct Service member of the Residential Team. The Residential Specialist provides quality care to residents to facilitate growth and development of the skills necessary for independent living through training and assistance in core service areas in accordance the Individualized Service Plan, certifying/regulatory bodies including OMH/OPWDD/HUD, and Gateway's goals. Provide intensive case management and counseling regarding specialized diagnoses related to MICA and family issues. The residential specialist will work with individuals who are dealing with secondary trauma. The specialist works with people who have a history of substance use, have lived in a state run hospital for over 6 months or veterans who are suffering from a mental illness. This position will be hosting groups and working closely with our community partners to provide linkages and support to those specialized individuals within the community.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Record, monitor, and review Individual Service Plans/Residential Habilitation Plans for assigned caseload.
  
  
  
  • Record Progress Notes on a monthly basis on Individual Service Plan goals and objectives as well as an overall description of residents' progress or lack of progress in program.
  • Carry out specific program activities with residents in accordance with the established Individual Service Plan
  • Ensure provisions of care are directly related to the Individual Service Plan and individualized plan of nursing services for any resident that requires it including medication administration.
  
  
  
  
• Work with residents and assigned caseload on goals and daily living skills to foster growth and independence per Individual Service Plans
  
  
  
  • Conduct visits as scheduled with residents.
  • Train, assist, and monitor residents in social skills, personal budget development, preparation of weekly menu plans, food shopping, use of public transportation services, planning and implementing recreational activities or others areas needing assistance or support.
  • Provide a supportive environment and function as a positive role model for the residents through appropriate dress and behavior
  • Supervise residents in performing general housekeeping duties to ensure household cleanliness and safe living environment. Provide assistance and training as needed.
  • Provide necessary transportation when public transportation is not available.
  • Counsel residents during crisis situations as needed. Advise the Residential Manager of crisis situations and report incidents per agency and regulatory requirements.
  • Observe and record in the log book and case notes unusual behavior, incidents, medical problems, upcoming appointments, and any changes in residents' programs.
  
  
  
  
• Coordinate and establish drug/alcohol counseling, community meetings, family counseling, support and individual therapy as necessary for the individual.
• Provide full Specialist services identifying all contacts and resources available to the individual in order to establish an overall systems approach to treatment.
• Maintain all medical, financial, and program records for assigned caseload under the guidance of Residential Management.
  
  
  
  • Ensure that medical documentation for assigned residents are up to date and properly documented and stored per agency and regulatory policy and procedure.
  • Monitor financial records for assigned residents. Assist residents with usage of funds and in following agency and regulatory guidelines. Reports issues to the Residential Manager.
  • Ensure records for all assigned residents are kept up to date. Submit Progress Notes in a timely manner. Document, submit, and store any resident incident reports in appropriate location.
  • Conduct Health & Safety Inspections and Fire Drills of residence. Report concerns to the Residential Manager.
  
  
  
  
• Complete all required trainings and certifications including annual Regulatory Training and CPR certification. Complete certification renewals in a timely manner.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• High School Diploma

Licenses / Certifications:

• CPR/First Aid

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• AA/AS
• CASAC

Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in direct care
• 1 year experience in community based substance abuse programs preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to sit or stand for up to 8 hours per day
• Must be able to bend at the waist or kneel occasionally (1-2 times per week)
• Must be able to bend and use hands, wrists, and fingers with full range of motion
• May occasionally be required to lift packages: 25-50 pounds as needed or occasionally (1-2 times per month)
• Must be able to perform CPR in emergency situation and for regular recertification

REGULATORY CLEARANCES REQUIRED:

• Must have a valid NYS Driver's License and maintain a driving record which meets the insurable criteria of the Agency's automobile insurance carrier
• Background checks are required

We are an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V/SO employer