Resident Counselor Case Study

Resident Counselor is direct care worker who is responsible for maintaining a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment which fosters growth and rehabilitation and facilitates the development of mutual aid/self help skills among individuals suffering from serious and chronic mental health disorders. A Resident Counselor’s primary role is to provide the appropriate supports tailored to the needs and desires of each individual to enable each to live as independently as possible. Resident Counselors are expected to recognize when an individual is in a crisis and be able to utilize the appropriate psychiatric and medical services as needed.

Screening Interview: A phone interview will be conducted with those applicants that appear qualified based on the information provided in their resume and/or application. During the screening interview, a series of brief questions will be asked to determine the applicant’s appropriateness for the position. For example, one would be asked if they are capable to work varied shifts, weekends, and holidays. Another area that would be briefly discussed is their direct care experience. If the applicant appears to be appropriate for this position, they will move forward in the selection process. If the applicant is not appropriate for the Resident Counselor position, they will either be passed on to a more suitable position or if there is no position available the process will end.

It will also be used to determine if an applicant will be successful in the position of a Resident Counselor. This test will comprise of the following subject areas: Understanding the role of a Resident Counselor, Ethics and Integrity, Judgment and Interpersonal Skills, Mental Health related Knowledge and Skills, Safety and Emergencies, and Knowledge of Consumer Specific