Class Series Concept

See Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 1.

Definition

Under the supervision of a Residential Rehabilitation Counselor 4 leads subordinate Residential Rehabilitation Counselors in the implementation of the therapeutic environment or milieu through effective management of treatment plans, proactive interventions, one-on-one engagements, observation, and the monitoring and tracking of residents’ behaviors. These positions complete documentation to include observation reports, progress notes, behavioral tracking spreadsheets, incident reports and behavior management reports.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the lead-worker level of the series. Positions are members of multi-disciplinary treatment teams assigned to work with specific residents. Leads subordinate RRC staff in the creation and sustainment of the therapeutic environment or milieu in which the habilitative treatment program takes place, ensures that appropriate documentation is completed and submitted to the legal record, and provides training, coaching and mentoring to subordinate staff.

Typical Work

Functions as a lead worker on a designated residential living unit; leads subordinate staff in handling day-to-day operations of the unit; takes charge and gives direction in emergent situations; acts as a liaison between supervisory, professional, and other staff to maintain necessary and appropriate communications relating to treatment plan implementation, policies, procedures, resident information, etc.; facilitates appropriate follow-up action(s); provides input on unit operations, staff scheduling and duty assignments; assesses subordinate RRC staff performance of their work and contributes to performance evaluations;

Participates as a member of multi-disciplinary teams responsible for assessing residents’ progress and developing appropriate individual resident treatment plans and goals; guides subordinate RRC staff in assisting residents to accomplish treatment goals by actively engaging with residents to model appropriate interventions and coaching/mentoring activities;

Observes, documents and reports changes in residents’ general physical or mental conditions or unusual or potentially dangerous behaviors; Takes appropriate action to assure resident and staff safety and security, and provides protection from abuse and neglect;

Leads and assists in training subordinate staff on standards for writing accurate, clear, and complete chart notes on residents’ progress, behavior management reports, and incident reports;

Assumes responsibility for ensuring that the residential living units are maintained in an organized, clean and safe condition;

Assists in teaching subordinate staff in the proper procedures for conducting searches of residents’ rooms and belongings and searches of a resident’s person for contraband or other non-permissible items; leads subordinate staff in organizing, conducting, and documenting searches;

Escorts and supervises residents during community outings; assists in training subordinate RRC staff in proper escort and monitoring procedures and effective and appropriate communications with law enforcement, community organizations and the public;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: policies and procedures of the treatment programs and the specific missions of designated units; methods and techniques of verbal de-escalation, coaching and engaging resident in therapeutic activities, ability to design therapeutic activities to enhance and support treatment concepts; methods and techniques of defensive tactics and other safety and security enforcement; management of behaviorally challenging populations in secure facilities settings and community transition programs; forensic mental health treatment programs.

Ability to: demonstrate skill in leading and directing subordinate staff in day-to-day operations and emergent situations, instruct subordinate staff in standard operating procedures and in emergency procedures; monitor and assess the performance of subordinate staff and contribute to performance evaluations; organize work and designate assignments to subordinate staff; establish and maintain effective work methods; keep records; assist in developing training protocols; review payroll reports; speak and write clearly and effectively; follow written and oral instructions.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

High school graduation or GED; 

AND

Three years of experience providing direct care to psychiatric patients, residents or inmates in a residential or in-patient mental health setting

OR

One year of experience as a supervisor/lead worker and two years of experience providing direct care to psychiatric patients, residents or inmates in a residential or in-patient mental health setting.

Class Specification History

New class: effective March 9, 2007.
Revise definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, salary adjustment, and qualifications; adopted June 30, 2017, effective July 1, 2017; previously range 42.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 5/17/2018, effective 7/1/2018.