Gateway Residential Counselor

Company: Helen Ross McNabb Center
Location: Maryville
Posted on: January 1, 2026

Job Description:

Gateway Residential Counselor Help Others, Make a Difference, Save a Life. Do you want to make a difference in people's lives every day? Or help people navigate the tough spots in their life? And do it all while working where your hard work is appreciated? You have a lot of choices in where you work…make the decision to work where you are valued! Join the McNabb Center Team as the Gateway Residential Counselor today! The Gateway Residential Counselor JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY Summary of position : The position will be responsible for the supervision of clients, administration of the program rules and level system, and facilitation of a therapeutic, positive and safe milieu. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing supportive listening to clients individually and in group settings. Also responsible for weekend work, assisting with milieu activities and overall supervision of clients on the unit. Reports to the Team Leader for milieu counselor duties and is responsible for creating an environment conducive to client personal growth and learning skills for substance use reduction. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT The Residential Counselor position will operate in the Residential Facility. 1. Supervision of Clients Monitoring. Supervise and monitor clients in a therapeutic manner as evidenced by knowing their locations at all times, taking calmly and rationally, and using point system for behavioral issues on a daily basis. Responsible for enforcing program rules by documenting and implementing failures to earn and level restrictions and explaining these to the client at the time of the offense. Be aware of clients' whereabouts at all times as evidenced by filling in location on point system sheet every half hour. Conduct 15-minute checks when clients are asleep as evidenced by documentation in the sleep log and on the progress notes. Supervise the dorm hallway by actively pacing the hallway and looking into each clients' room in order to check on whereabouts and to monitor for the use of contraband. 2. Safe Environment Drug screens and searches. Conduct/assist in obtaining drug screens each time a client re-enters the facility or upon suspicion as evidenced by weekly collection of samples and lab work report. Conduct/assist in individual searches each time the client re-enters the center, after visitation, or upon suspicion of contraband. Conduct and document room searches as directed by the supervisor or person on-call. Client, Facility and Property Safety Participate in phone rotation in order to ensure phone is answered every time it rings and to ensure ability to dial 911 or on-call when an emergency arise. Conduct daily facility checks at 8am, 4pm, 11pm, and randomly as needed to ensure the security of the facility. Model and monitor for safety belt use in the vans by wearing seat belt at all times in vehicles and giving clients reminders to do the same. Limit distractions during shift such as cell phone, headphones, etc. Execute therapeutic holds in a safe, clinically appropriate manner. Demonstrate appropriate utilization of therapeutic hold procedures as evidenced by verbal de-escalation, initiation of a hold only in the case of emergencies, and debriefing following the incident. Document use of therapeutic hold during the shift in which it occurred as evidenced on the incident report and progress note. 3. Clinical Service Delivery Maintain a therapeutic milieu. Participate in the daily positives/goals meeting by verbalizing and modeling a constructive feedback statement during each meeting. Coach clients in being successful in meeting program expectations by aiding at least one client per night with the goal cited in the daily positives meeting. Monitor client's symptoms /behaviors and provide written weekly feedback to the treatment team via the client feedback form. Coach clients on how to proactively solve problems by aiding them during situations when needed. Conduct and/or oversee therapeutic groups and activities. Facilitate and/or monitor recreational activities including, but not limited to, an adventure based group, outing, or organized recreation time by being actively involved in the activity. Support and foster family involvement by supervising weekly visitation and/or checking clients in/out of the facility for weekly passes as evidenced by documentation on the visitation log, progress notes and temporary custody agreements. 4. Documentation & Notifications Responsible for completing both clinical and administrative paperwork and notifications. Responsible for completing shift/client progress notes on a daily basis. Responsible for completing and forwarding incident reports to the Services Coordinator within 24 of the incident. Responsible for notifying appropriate individuals regarding such incidents during the shift on which the incident occurred. Participate in rotation of documenting shift in the Communication Log Complete proper documentation for off-site activities as evidenced by using tax-exempt form, turning in all excess money, and completing Activity Money Form. 5. Activities of Daily Living Model appropriate independent living skills. Participate in the rotation of meal preparation and serving ?specifically on weekends. Model appropriate hygiene techniques as evidenced by washing hands, wearing gloves during food preparation, and maintaining good self-hygiene. Participate in rotation of chore completion with clients. 6. Professional development Maintain appropriate certifications and knowledge of current policies and best practices guidelines. Complete all written trainings/tests and self-directed learning modules within the timeframe set by your supervisor. Renew and maintain certifications according to the deadlines cited in the monthly training/certification report; do not allow certifications to expire. Attend center staff meetings/ training once per month or when deemed appropriate. Attend at least one extra HRMC or outside training every six months as approved by supervisor. 7. Professionalism Communication. Verbal communication given in a calm and positive manner 100% of time as evidenced by tone and demeanor. Written communication should be clear and professional as evidenced by tone, clarity, and message. Complete a note in the Communication Log for each shift or write any additional important information as needed. Notify other staff when leaving floor or taking a break. Use a positive and appropriate communication style at all times when working with clients, peers, and supervisors. Use appropriate chain of command when expressing concerns or issues. Arrive on time in order to read com-log, check e-mail, and check mailbox to ensure all communication is received efficiently. Teamwork Work as team player as evidenced by helping peers, communicating openly and appropriately, and being positive and professional at all times. Display a positive attitude with all staff as evidenced by smiling, using calm and appropriate communication, and accepting directives without complaints. Appearance Dress comfortably, but professionally as an authority figure for the clients. Facility Pick up work area before going to a different area. Take responsibility and initiative by maintaining a clean and tidy facility. 8. Shift Requirements First Shift Only: Complete any grading as assigned by teacher and/or supervisor Participate in the rotation of leading or implementing activities as assigned by the teacher and /or supervisor Lead Psycho-Ed groups. Participate in lunch rotation-particularly on the weekends- as evidenced by cooking as needed and completing all documentation necessary. Check off clients' assignments as documented on the assignment book and hold client's accountable through the re-education system when tasks are not completed. Second Shift Only: Participate in the rotation of A&D groups and /or other evening groups. Participate in the rotation of cooking dinner at least one time per week and completing all documentation necessary. Use downtime during evening groups effectively as evidenced by asking for additional tasks, planning for events, or upcoming groups, or reading A&D materials. Responsible for facilitating and monitoring client phone calls as evidenced by documentation in the phone log. Monitor Focus/Planning meeting and encourage appropriate goal setting and assist with focus material nightly. Facilitate and monitor chores a minimum of one time per week as evidenced by documentation in the room check log and cleanliness of dorms. Third Shift Only: Complete all chart filing within a 24-hour timeframe. Complete grocery inventory on a weekly basis or as directed by supervisor. Complete audit of charts on a weekly basis or as directed by supervisor. Complete inventory of new clients' belongings upon night of arrival. Complete temporary custody agreement forms and all other pass information every Thursday night or as needed. Complete averages nightly for all clients and post levels on whiteboard and in Treatment Team Log. Check main line voicemails nightly and give messages to the appropriate people. Gather drug screen samples on Sunday nights and prepare for pick up on Mondays. Complete monthly fire drills and complete all proper documentation. Make up intake packets and linen intakes for scheduled admissions. Wash laundry nightly including green bin, aprons, dishtowels, and gym clothes. Participate in the rotation of cooking breakfast and completing all necessary documentation. Prep for meals for the next day by panning anything which needs to be thawed. Clean and stock staff office nightly as evidenced by stocking copier and forms bin, and a tidy workspace. JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; and employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. Moreover, management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, or working schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. COMPENSATION: Starting salary for this position is approximately $17.06 - $19.15 /hr based on relevant experience and education. Schedule: The schedule for the Residential Counselor will be in-person attendance. Travel : Must be able to transport clients in personal or Center vehicle. Equipment/Technical Competency : Must possess knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. QUALIFICATIONS - Gateway Residential Counselor Experience / Knowledge: Working with children/youth/families. One year of residential experience preferred or exposure via internship. Understanding of the expectations of DCS/DOE. Education / License : Possess a minimum of a High school diploma or equivalency for a Residential Counselor. Physical/Emotional/Social - Skills/Abilities: Required to be certified in and adequately implement verbal and physical de-escalation techniques that include a wide range of bodily movements including but not limited to grasping, holding another person, going down on knees, running, and walking. Must be capable of driving clients to and from appointments, outing and other transportation needs. Must be able to lead students, staff effectively and utilize resources properly. Must be able to make sound judgment and utilize appropriate boundaries. Must be able to contribute to the therapeutic environment and provide feedback regarding the client's progress. Location: Blount County, Tennessee Apply today to work where we care about you as an employee and where your hard work makes a difference! Helen Ross McNabb Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Helen Ross McNabb Center conducts background checks, driver's license record, degree verification, and drug screens at hire. Employment is contingent upon clean drug screen, background check, and driving record. Additionally, certain programs are subject to TB Screening and/or testing. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. PI345dcbe2ae81-37456-38120451

Keywords: Helen Ross McNabb Center, Knoxville , Gateway Residential Counselor, Healthcare , Maryville, Tennessee