Lead Residential Counselor - Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services - Full Time - Days FLEX

Lead Residential Counselor- Cayuga Health System

Cayuga Health and its affiliates are the region's leading healthcare system and most trusted providers of integrated health services, empowering our people in our mission to equitably improve the well-being of the communities we serve. Our commitment to providing extraordinary healthcare begins with our team of extraordinary professionals who are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhancing access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies, and research protocols. Cayuga Health's commitment to our employees includes competitive compensation, comprehensive employee benefits programs, and the opportunity to explore and build a career in healthcare through our many professional development programs.

The Residential Counselor (RC) is responsible for positive, collaborative relationships with clients, their families, and the CARS' team. The RC ensures the safety of the clients and an orderly day-to-day operation/flow of clients in the residential program. In addition to performing the duties of a RC, the Lead Residential Counselor serves as the "go-to" point of contact for RC staff when the Milieu Manager is absent. This role ensures consistent supervision, promotes staff development, preserves order and safety within the facility, and models appropriate behaviors to both staff and residents.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Serve as an exemplary role model for RC staff; act as the "Point-Person" in the absence of the Milieu Manager; preserve order within the facility, enforce policies, support staff, and provide direction to residents.
• Conduct weekly or bi-weekly mentoring/consultation sessions with RCs to promote growth, skill development, and team cohesion.
• Maintain a safe, substance-free environment; monitor staff, patient, and visitor whereabouts; and follow emergency protocols.
• Uphold the structure and integrity of the milieu by enforcing rules with empathy, documenting activities, reinforcing positive behavior, and supporting client adaptation.
• Model appropriate adult behavior; remain calm during crises; and use teachable moments to address addictive patterns and encourage recovery.
• Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork by prioritizing the mission, team goals, and collective success over individual agendas.

Additional Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Foster a supportive team environment with open communication.
• Delegate tasks, set deadlines, and coach staff to meet expectations.
• Identify training needs and provide guidance to team members.
• Assist clinical staff in monitoring groups and recreational activities.
• Perform periodic facility inspections and corrective action planning.
• Supervise client activities, including work, recreation, and daily routines.
• Perform light maintenance/cleaning (e.g., preparing rooms for new admissions).
• Document activities accurately in accordance with agency practices.
• Use crisis intervention skills, respond to incidents, and prepare required reports.
• Maintain confidentiality in compliance with agency policy and law.
• Provide support functions such as filing, phone coverage, and visitor reception.
• Communicate significant client concerns to Clinical, Medical, and Leadership staff.
• Monitor client visitation sessions.
• Process after-hours discharges in the EMR system.
• Plan and conduct special activities as assigned.
• Maintain agency vehicles and associated records.
• Ensure cleanliness and upkeep of company vehicles, both interior and exterior.

Required Skills and Experience:

One (1) year of relevant experience in managing and motivating team members and/or references indicating the ability to thrive in a human services leadership position.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

Associate's degree in human services, psychology, and/or substance use disorders (SUD), and/or actively working towards CASAC-T certification. Understanding of SUD clients and recovery principles.

Location, Travel and Shift Requirements:

• Onsite at the Trumansburg, NY Residence
• Shift: Days- may be asked to flex depending on department needs; Weekend availability is mandatory

Pay Range Disclosure:

• Standard Rate of:
• $18.45 for Level 1 Residential Counselor base pay per hour plus benefits
• $20.00 - $22.00 for Level 2 Residential Counselor base pay per hour plus benefits
• Additional $2 Lead Pay added to base pay

Cayuga Health System and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Cayuga Health Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@cayugahealth.org. I certify that the information contained in this application is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification or omission of information may disqualify me from further consideration for employment or, if hired, may result in termination. In consideration for my employment, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the company, which rules may be changed, withdrawn, added, or interpreted at any time, at the company's sole option and without prior notice to me. I understand that any hiring decision is contingent upon my successful completion of all of the Company's lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks, which may include a background check, drug screen, employment references, and licensing review. If I am made a conditional offer of employment, I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks. Such checks will not be conducted until allowed under applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand if I have a criminal background, it will not automatically disqualify me from employment unless otherwise required by law. I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment checks. I also understand that the Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and has a drug and alcohol testing program consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand that after a conditional offer of employment, I must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.