QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma.
- A valid driver license.
- Ability to pass Federal workplace Drug and Alcohol testing regulations.
- Good writing and verbal skills.
- Ability to work on any shift, 24/7.
- Days (7am 3pm), Swing (3pm-11pm), Night (11pm-7am)
- Basic computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products.
PREFERRED:
- Six months work experience in security or social services, or two years undergraduate study in Behavioral Sciences or related course of study.
- Experience working with an offender population.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Current sign-on bonus of $1000 for full-time staff.
The current starting salary for the position is $16.00 per hour, although consideration will be given the successful candidate's experience and educational background.
Anticipated Salary Increases in 2024:
Based on DOC funding expectations, it is anticipated all permanent staff as of applicable effective date can anticipate $1.00 increase in July 2024.
During the fall 2024 and based on agency financial status at the time, it can be anticipated for review of Cost of Living adjustment.
Permanent full-time employees of Alternatives, Inc. are entitled to sick leave, vacation leave, individual health insurance, and retirement benefits. Alternatives, Inc. participates in the State Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance plans.
Permanent part-time employees are entitled to a pro-rata share of benefits based on the percentage of full-time hours worked (full-time = 40 hours per week).
Specific detail regarding benefits will be provided upon request at the time of interview or at the time of hire.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General Overview:
The Client Advisor is directly accountable to the Operations Supervisor of Alternatives, Inc.
The Client Advisor, in conjunction with case managers and treatment staff, is responsible for the welfare, accountability, safety, and health of the residents and staff in the facility. CAs conduct all security checks as well as complete all security functions on all in house residents and community clients. The Client Advisor plays an integral role in the rehabilitation of Alternatives, Inc. residents and clients by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive behavior on their part.
General Requirements:
- All employees of Alternatives, Inc. are responsible for reading and complying with standards and procedures in the following documents:
- Employee Handbook
- Standard Operating Procedures
Specific Duties:
First and foremost, it is the Client Advisors responsibility to assure the safety and security of the facility including that of the public, residents, and staff. Related duties include:
- Maintenance of situational awareness including resident attitudes, whereabouts, and unusual behavior, etc. This is done by frequently interacting with residents and visitors and circulating throughout the facility and grounds.
- Management of urgent and crisis situations (escapes, suicide attempts, medical emergencies) by identifying and responding to them quickly, knowing standard operating procedures, communicating effectively through the chain of command, obtaining the appropriate assistance, and by maintaining excellent documentation.
- Controlling the introduction of contraband by conduct of effective personal, common area, room, grounds, and vehicle searches.
- Accounting for all clients on a 24-hour per day basis through monitoring of cameras, conduct of agenda checks, performing headcounts and walk-throughs and managing sign in and sign out procedures.
- Monitoring residents for use of drugs and alcohol through observation of client and visitor behavior, urinalysis testing, breathalyzer testing, and searches.
- Understanding emergency procedures and effectively implementing procedures in the event of a fire, electrical outage, or natural disaster.
- The conduct of all other procedures necessary to maintain the safety, well-being, and orderly operation of the facility.
- Adhering to policies regarding the use of physical force and practice of non-violent crisis intervention.
The Client Advisor is expected to play an integral role in the reduction in client recidivism by acting as an appropriate role model and by reinforcing positive behavior. Duties include:
- Demonstrating and voicing a belief in each clients ability to restructure how they think, thereby permitting them to change their behavior, and reduce their chance of recidivating.
- Presenting a neat, clean, well groomed, and professional appearance.
- Refraining from the use of loud or abusive language, the use of profanity, or language demeaning to a client (harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, unfair criticism, etc.).
- Application of Arbinger principles, specifically emphasizing understanding what a client feels or thinks and how this effects his/her behavior, looking past the overt behavior and identifying the underlying pattern of thinking, then responding in a firm but non-confrontational manner using cognitive behavioral techniques proven effective in creating behavior change. (Reinforcement, negative reinforcement, extinction, motivational interviewing, etc.).
- Reinforcing positive behavior on a 4 to 1 ratio with punishment.
- Modeling positive, helpful customer service by listening, being attentive, and responsive to client needs.
- Teaching/modeling appropriate behavior through clear identification of behavior, consequences, rationales, and when appropriate by role playing.
- Fulfilling the role of lay advisor in the disciplinary system when appointed to do so.
- Maintaining a professional relationship demonstrating empathy, responsiveness, and openness without crossing the boundary to friendship or fraternization.
The Client Advisor is responsible for the orderly conduct of daily operations and routines related to the clients activities and schedules. Tasks include but are not limited to:
- Reporting and assuring completion of repairs.
- Identifying hazards and securing the area until repairs are made.
- Oversite of house jobs and facility sanitation in concert with housekeeping personnel.
- Maintenance of documentation, including proficiency in the use of Total Offender Management system.
- Supervision of meal service and sanitation.
- Managing the facility.
- Participation and support of the recreational program.
- Management of schedules and curfews.
- Circulating throughout the facility frequently observing safety hazards and repair needs.
