What are the responsibilities and job description for the PARAPROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR - Per Diem position at GATEWAYS HOSPITAL & MENTAL HEALTH CENTER?
Job Details
Description
PARAPROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Per Diem
Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center located in Los Angeles, is a non-profit organization that provides an array of comprehensive mental health services for Children, Adolescents, Transitional Aged Youth, and Adults suffering from mental illness in the Greater Los Angeles area. The organization consists of a standalone fifty five (55) bed hospital and six outlying outpatient facilities that have anywhere from fourteen (14) beds to one hundred and thirty four (134) beds
We are currently seeking a highly motivated Paraprofessional Counselor for our Satellite program which provides mental health services and housing for Adults ages 18 to 59. Developed in conjunction with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Gateways Satellite serves individuals with a history of placement failure or psychiatric instability who are ready for discharge from Institutions for Mental Disease, Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Units or Crisis Residential Facilities and are in need of a safe place to live. The primary focus of Gateways Satellite is to provide intensive mental health support in a structured residential environment in order to prepare the client for more independent community living and a transition into a stable community environment.
The responsibilities of the Paraprofessional Counselor include monitoring safety and security of the Gateways Satellite facility by conducting regular rounds, and property searches. Monitors client behavior and reports all relevant information to the next shift. Conducts drug and alcohol screening of the clients. Assists staff with answering telephones, signing clients in and out of the facility, assisting with client meals, and initiating and investigating disciplinary action.
Minimum Education Required
- High School Diploma
Essential Skills
- Ability to work and relate effectively with multidisciplinary treatment team, clients and the public.
- Ability to assess patients for dangerousness and intervene in a timely, calm and appropriate manner.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently, use good judgement, and remain calm in crisis situations.
- Proven ability to work with adult clients.
- Ability to operate selected equipment (i.e. breathalyzer).
- Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet computer programs.
- Ability to work various hours and shifts.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors (i.e. security rounds and transportation of supplies).
- Ability to be objective, stable and firm with clients who have a history of criminal behavior and who have psychiatric disabilities.
- Ability to accept direction from supervisors and complete assigned tasks.
- Ability to appropriately provide direction to clients
- Crisis intervention techniques and basic counseling skills.
Physical Strength
- Light work: able to lift a maximum of 20 pounds
Location: Los Angeles, CA / Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center Satellite
Status: Per-Diem / Non-Exempt / Friday and Saturday 11:30pm - 7:30am
Qualifications