Residential Care Counselor

The Residential Care Counselor is responsible for ensuring the safety, care, and well-being of assigned children in a therapeutic residential treatment setting. As a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, the counselor helps develop, implement, monitor, and document individualized treatment plans under the supervision of the Residential Care Supervisor.

Brown University Health employees are expected to demonstrate the organization's core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, while also embracing the Success Factors of:

• Instilling Trust and Valuing Differences
• Patient and Community Focus
• Collaboration and Teamwork

Key Responsibilities

Provide Safe and Therapeutic Care

• Maintain a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment for children.
• Supervise assigned children throughout daily activities and routines.
• Assist children with activities of daily living, personal care, and hygiene based on individual needs.
• Monitor and document required observation levels each shift.
• Identify, report, and help resolve safety or behavioral concerns.
• Respond appropriately to crises and disruptive behaviors using therapeutic interventions and the least restrictive safe measures.
• Report critical incidents promptly and complete required documentation accurately and on time.

Support Treatment Planning

• Participate in developing and implementing individualized residential treatment plans.
• Assist with admission procedures and help establish positive relationships with children and families.
• Complete initial assessments, identify treatment needs, and contribute to care plans within established timelines.
• Review and update treatment plans as needed.
• Communicate treatment goals and progress with the multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, daily planning conferences, and shift reports.
• Document significant observations, interventions, and child/family interactions in the medical record.

Behavior Management and Skill Development

• Establish consistent therapeutic limits and expectations.
• Implement behavior management programs in collaboration with clinical staff.
• Model positive, therapeutic interactions for children and families.
• Support recreational and therapeutic activities.
• Help children develop coping, social, and daily living skills.

Professional Responsibilities

• Follow all Hospital, Department, and Program policies and procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and training.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Seek and incorporate supervision and feedback to improve performance.
• Contribute knowledge and experience to the development of other staff members.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services-related field preferred.
• Equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered at the discretion of the Hiring Manager.

Experience

• Six months to one year of direct care experience working with emotionally impaired or behaviorally challenged youth.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of child development, human behavior, and cultural diversity.
• Ability to provide age-appropriate care and support across developmental stages.
• Strong communication, observation, documentation, and crisis intervention skills.

Required Certifications

• Bradley Hospital Crisis Management Certification (or ability to obtain through enrollment).
• Current BLS/First Aid Certification from American Heart Association (must be obtained prior to first day)
• Current ERS, Safety, and OSHA Certifications.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None.