Residential Senior Counselor

Under the general supervision of a higher-level officer, this position performs responsible
counseling work by providing treatment and monitoring services to clients in a human services
agency. The work involves task-oriented, short-term services and monitoring for clients with a
moderate range of psychosocial problems. The work includes disseminating information,
maintaining daily activity records, interacting with adolescents with behavioral challenges, and
coordinating as part of an interdisciplinary team.

An employee in this class is responsible for directed decision-making, monitoring and
implementing comprehensive treatment plans, and providing services under close supervision.

Assumes responsibility, under directed supervision, for providing psychosocial intervention in
minimally complex cases involving social, physical, and emotional problems.
Provides individual and family crisis intervention services under directed supervision and serves
as a consultant to less experienced staff.
Represents the department in court and at meetings, seminars, and conferences.
Oversees residents’ daily living activities, such as chores, dressing, and meals.
Consults, as required, with federal and local officials on funding, legislative, interagency and
other pertinent matters.
Disseminates laws and regulations affecting the client population served to clients and the
public.
Prepares and maintains records for each client related to medical, emergency, crisis care, and
incident reports.
Selects and facilitates purchases related to residents’ needs, such as clothing, shoes, and personal
hygiene items.
Plans and supervises the implementation of resident activities, such as recreation and field trips.
Plans and schedules weekly treatment activities in accordance with treatment plans provided by
the supervisor.
Prepares and dispenses residents’ breakfasts, snacks, and light emergency meals.
Transports residents to hospitals, doctors' offices, schools, or on other trips.
Performs other related duties as required.

High School Diploma or equivalent and at least three (3) years of responsible experience in
crisis intervention, childcare services, and supervision of youth in a residential program for
youth with behavioral problems and/or delinquency.

FACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of social work.
Knowledge of behavioral management interventions.
Knowledge of and familiarity with departmental and community resources.
Knowledge of various social, psychological, economic, and emotional factors that influence the
behaviors and attitudes of individuals and families.
Knowledge of behaviors and attitudes commonly associated with adolescents who have
behavioral challenges.
Skill in interpersonal communication.
Skill in computer operations, including software applications and databases.
Ability to demonstrate a desire to help people, along with the suitability, temperament, and
respect required for this type of work.
Ability to elicit pertinent information from individuals and relate such information to an
appropriate course of action.
Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, and discretion when dealing with clients and co-workers.
Ability to learn the elements of human developmental theory and the psychosocial intervention
process.
Ability to present ideas and information clearly and concisely, orally or in writing.

FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Work is immediately supervised by a higher-level officer. Incumbent works independently to
oversee residents’ daily activities and must exercise judgment and make decisions in
coordination with the shift supervisor when the immediate supervisor is unavailable. Work is
reviewed periodically through discussions, meetings, conferences, seminars, and reports
submitted.

FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES
Guidelines include departmental and residential organizational policies, regulations, and
procedures.

FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY
Work involves complex residential care and social service responsibilities that require sound
judgment, emotional stability, and timely decision-making in a structured setting for adolescents
with behavioral, emotional, social, or family-related challenges. Incumbent balances daily
supervision, crisis intervention, recordkeeping, service coordination, and resident support while
applying established treatment and behavioral management approaches. This work supports
resident safety, well-being, personal development, and the effective operation of the Government’s
protective and rehabilitative services.

FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of the work is to provide supervision and guidance to residents to help ensure a
healthy, secure, and productive living environment for young people.

FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are co-workers, counselors, residents, private organizations, residents’ families, and
representatives of government agencies.

FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are made to support residents’ daily needs, arrange resident participation in seminars
and meetings, and address residents’ personal, physical, and emotional needs.

FACTOR 8- PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is primarily sedentary but involves interacting with youth during supervision and
recreational activities.

FACTOR 9- WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a residential setting. Some travel may be necessary to transport clients to
various places in the community.