Residential Counselor, 30 Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday at The American School for the Deaf

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR

RESIDENTIAL COUNSELOR

Weekend Day, 30-Hours - Benefit Eligible

Schedule: Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Noon - 10:00pm

CLOSING DATE:       Open Until filled

REVISED:                   10/10/2023

POST:                         10/22/2025

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.

ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools.  There is also much to do in West Hartford.  There is a wide array of parks and recreation.  There are pools and hiking trails.  There are historic sites to visit as well.  If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:                   Residential Counselor

Department:            PACES

Supervisor:               Dean of Students

Description:             Part Time 30 Hours, 12 Months, Benefits Eligible

Union Status:           Union 

Schedule:                  Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 noon – 10:00pm

SCOPE OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the PACES or Core Dean of Students, and/or the Coordinator of Student Support Services, the Residential Counselor is responsible for the supervision of children and adolescents during school and/or out-of-school hours and the assumption of other responsibilities as designated by the PACES or Core Dean of Students, and/or Student Support Services Coordinator..  

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Responsible for the supervision of emotionally/behaviorally-disordered deaf and hard of hearing children and youth during in-school or out-of-school hours, including meals.
• Planning and carrying out activities designed to promote personal and social growth.
• Responsible for encouraging students to maintain good personal hygiene and attire, including bathing and feeding.
• Assist students with mobility.
• Encourage students to engage in extra-curricular activities. 
• Implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS).
• Participation in planning and staff conferences with academic and residential staff.
• Participation in staff training and in-service activities, including Physical/Psychological Management Training (PMT) workshops.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a regular and frequent basis.
• Responsible for reports and daily logs.
• Works cooperatively with all teachers, residential staff and other support staff.
• Other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.        
• Ability to anticipate potential issues and re-direct or de-escalate behavior. 
• Demonstrates good judgment, dependability. 
• Proficient with writing reports.
• Ability to resolve conflict.
• Ability to manage crisis situation.
• Demonstrates high levels of patience, empathy, and respect.
• Demonstrates an understanding of cultural diversity and embeds that knowledge into practice.
• High School graduate. Minimum recommended age 23.
• Prior experience in working with children and youth with mental health and traumatic backgrounds in a residential setting preferred.
• Knowledge of behavior management techniques is desirable.
• PMT/CPR Certification or willingness to secure.
• Ability or willingness to learn to communicate effectively using American Sign Language (ASL).  

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Non-exempt, 12-month position
• Wage based on guidelines of the Union Pay Scale   
• Outstanding benefits package including Retirement 403B with generous school matching, group health insurance, and other fringe benefits. 
• $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service

ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department. 

The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).     

All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.