On Call Residential Counselor, Youth Recovery

At Jefferson Center, it is our policy and our mission to be inclusive and mindful of the diversity of everyone who comes through our doors. We are passionate about building a community where mental health matters and equitable care is accessible to all races, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, cultures, and languages.

The Residential Counselor at Youth Residential Recovery provides milieu management, psychoeducation groups and ensures safety of youth, (between 13 through 18.5 years of age), in a substance use residential and inpatient program.

We're looking for back up Counselors to pick up shifts as needed. This person will work in person, on site in Lakewood, Colorado.

Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required: 

• High School/GED plus one year of related experience required.


• Associates or Bachelor’s in related field degree preferred.


• One year of work experience in behavioral health required. Experience in substance abuse treatment and experience with youth is highly preferred.


• Applicants hired without SUD certification must obtain CAT or CAS within 18 months of hire. Applicants with pre-existing addiction certification preferred.


• QMAP Certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire (provided internally).


• Current CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.


• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Essential Duties:

• Provides milieu management, guidance, safety, stability, and direction to clients in early recovery from a trauma-informed lens.


• Maintains acceptable attendance and punctuality and is consistently at work on time.


• Interacts with client population to provide guidance, safety, stability, and direction including de-escalating potentially dangerous situations.


• Performs accurate and timely documentation at all times, including but not limited to admissions, shift notes, Per Diem notes, discharges, inventories and screening of clients’ personal belongings, individual and group sessions, Medication Occurrences (MOR), and Adverse Incident Reports (AIR).


• Monitors and documents client’s vital signs, physical condition and behavior, as needed. Must be able to administer blood pressure assessments, utilizing blood pressure cuffs, when Nurse is not available.


• Assists with the planning, conducting and supervision of patient activities, including community meetings, groups, external meetings on-site, family/friend visitation, recreational activities, and life skills.


• Monitors Breath Alcohol (BA) tests as needed and document appropriately.


• Administers medications to clients per QMAP standards.


• Assist in conducting Random Urine Drug Testing.


• Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducation groups.


• Assists team in the coordination of treatment referrals for clients motivated to seek on-going treatment following discharge.


• Assign and monitor clients completing residential unit chores, including main areas, hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms.


• Collaborate with kitchen staff regarding meals and snacks.


• Practices OSHA safety standards and disposes of biohazard waste according to OSHA standards.


• May assist in transporting admitted clients to hospitals, aftercare or other approved services as directed by the Shift Coordinator or Program Coordinator. Individual may be exposed adverse weather conditions during loading and unloading passengers.


• Effectively responds to the client’s needs and problems, initiates and maintains positive interactions, timely response to phone calls, email and other requests.


• Adheres to all Jefferson Center Policies and Procedures.


• Ensures Adverse Incident Reporting (AIR) procedures are followed during shift.


• Attends mandatory in-services, staff meetings, clinical supervision, and on-line training as required.


• Participates in supervision by coming prepared with an agenda. Reports high risk/problem cases using a problem-solving approach as well as feedback.  


• Participates in and promotes a positive, supportive, cooperative team environment.


• Understand how trauma impacts the lives of the people being served, so that every interaction is consistent with the recovery process and reduces the possibility of re-traumatization.


• Participates in the Center’s training/educational programs designed to enhance knowledge about Trauma Informed Care, the impact of trauma and trauma recovery.


• Ensure that delivery practices are guided by the principles of trauma informed care and the principles of addiction treatment.


• Maintains effective interpersonal relations with consumers, peers, subordinates, upper management, visitors, and the public. Uses language and behavior to promote dignity and respect.


• Corporate Compliance including documentation on practice in accordance with regulatory requirements and clinical guidelines.


• Exhibits enthusiasm, respect, adaptability, flexibility, and spirit of cooperation in the work environment.


• Must be sensitive to the diverse cultural and situational needs of the patients.


• Willing to cover another shift or another team, as requested by Program Manager/Program Coordinator.

Note:  Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Pool Rates: $26/hr - $36/hr, depending on education level and shift worked*

We will accept applications on an ongoing basis.