Assistant Supervisor Direct Care Staff - Residential (Lowell)

Feb. 21, 2012

Boston, MA

Confidential

Assistant Supervisor -- Youth Counselor Direct Care Residential

NFI's Riverside School located in Lowell, Massachusetts is a 766 approved residential school serving 36 male and female youth between the ages of 7-17 who are referred through the Department of Children and Families.

The youth we serve have trauma histories, mental health issues, and behaviors that have manifested in aggressive ways either by self injury or harm to others or property. Youth may exhibit sexually aggressive/abuse reactive behaviors, may struggle with substance abuse issues, and neglect and/or abandonment issues.

The program provides a multitude of therapeutic services including but not limited to assessment, treatment planning, individual, and group, family therapy and psycho educational groups. Also on site: psychiatric services, a fire education program, abuse specific treatment, an outdoor education program, COPE groups and parent support groups are held. Family reunification and/or transition to a less restrictive community based setting is the treatment goal.

Job Summary:

Assist the Supervisor in carrying out the responsibilities of program operations including supervision of staff and clients. Uphold safeguard and promote NFI's values, mission, vision, and philosophy which includes promoting a trauma informed environment.

Essential Functions:

Work directly in treatment relationship with clients, in consultation with treatment team.

Actively participate in conflict minimization and management and proactive de-escalation.

Assist in the development and coordination of monthly staff schedule and work assignments for Direct Care Counselors.

Participate in the development of individual treatment or service plans.

Assist in organizing staff training.

Ensure that daily program schedule is implemented as planned.

Assist in maintenance and upkeep of living quarters and notify appropriate personnel to arrange any repairs.

Constantly monitor program operations, environment and culture; take the lead in strengthening or revising program norms.

Provide ongoing support, guidance and role modeling for clients.

Provide individual and group informal counseling to clients to discuss interpersonal issues, treatment issues and develop goals and plans to address concerns.

Recognize early signs of crisis and respond accordingly.

Assist staff with consumer interventions and provide immediate feedback on staff performance.

Perform physical intervention in the event of a client crisis.

Transport clients to appointments as necessary.

Education:

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in related field or equivalent;

Experience:

Experience with the client population preferred.

1-2 years related experience or and/or training;

1-2 years supervisory and management experience

Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge:

Funding source

Residential treatment setting

Adolescent behavior

Skills:

Must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Must hold a valid drivers license.

Must have a reliable insured vehicle if transporting clients in personal vehicle.

Abilities:

Must possess excellent vision and hearing, and the ability to read and speak English.

Must be able to work in a high energy level environment, superior interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team atmosphere.

Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs.

The ability to communicate expectations and policies clearly with client population, co-workers and outside agencies.

NFI Massachusetts Inc. offers a highly diverse spectrum of community based programs for youths, adults and families. Those served include troubled adolescents with histories of abuse and neglect, serious emotional and/or behavioral problems, and delinquent youths in addition to adults with mental illness or developmental disabilities.

Our programs are supported by a highly committed, interdisciplinary staff comprised of clinicians, case managers, counselors, nurses, teachers and medical and/or psychiatric consultants who utilize a highly collaborative team approach to treatment.

NFI Massachusetts is proud of its 37-year track record of providing effective, high-quality services to people in need. The objective of all NFI Massachusetts programs is to assist individuals in achieving their maximum potential regardless of disability, to receive services in the least restrictive settings and to experience the full promise of community living.

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Please visit our website at www.nafi.com for more information about our agency.

Professional Development encouraged. Come join our team!