Alaska Children’s Services

Job Description and Performance Appraisal

Psychiatric Treatment Counselor

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES*

The Psychiatric Treatment Counselor (PTC) is primarily responsible for interaction with/supervision of children and/or adolescents who are placed in residential treatment units and have severe emotional and behavioral problems. In addition, responsibilities include but are not limited to; therapeutic interactions on an individual and group basis. The PTC adheres to standards and regulations as set forth by the Agency, DFYS Licensing, JCAHO and Medicaid. The PTC duties are carried out in accordance with ACS policies, the ACS Mission, Core Values and ACS Philosophy of Care. The PTC assumes additional duties as assigned.

*All positions at Alaska Children’s Services may have responsibilities altered during the course of employment due to agency imperatives.

SUPERVISION AND COORDINATION OF SERVICES

The PTC is supervised by the Treatment Program Supervisor. Under the supervision of the Treatment Program Supervisor, PTC’s are responsible for implementing appropriate treatment strategies with the students, timely documentation, cleaning duties, cooking duties, psycho-educational groups, and physical activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The Psychiatric Treatment Counselor must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children/youth and their families. Must have the ability to engage in vigorous physical and recreational activities. S/he must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. The position requires a valid Alaska Drivers license. The PTC must demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to serving a culturally diverse/and or special needs population.

Education and experience: The PTC must have a High School Diploma or equivalent. Minimum of two years residential child care or two years of college or combination of college and experience equaling two years is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Psychiatric Treatment Counselor must be able to: drive and transport students in ACS vehicles; efficiently access ACS and community buildings for meetings and agency activities in order to perform all job responsibilities; physically manage students, aged six to seventeen years, according to ACS physical management policy; move quickly throughout living unit and outdoor area in order to monitor/supervise student activities, alarm systems, emergency procedures, lighting, etc.; legibly produce reports regarding students and cottage events; transport self within the Anchorage Borough to meet with schools, families, and other involved parties; supervise and assist students with chores; use unit washer and dryer, sort, fold and store laundry; participate in the maintenance of a clean living unit and grounds(shoveling/sweeping snow, raking, picking up trash, etc.); pick-up, carry and store groceries, household and program items; and supervise and participate in recreational and leisure time activities. PTC’s must be at least twenty-one years of age.