Care CoordinatorAt — Newport Healthcare

Newport Academy is in need of part-time and full-time Care Coordinators four our gender specific. adolescent and young adult residential center treating co-occurring disorders in Orange County.

Responsibilities include assisting and supervising residents with daily activities, monitoring resident's behavior and intervening as needed, administration of resident medications, transporting residents to and from 12-step meetings, etc. All Care Coordinators will be positive role models. Must complete and pass trainings and background check with DCF and State Police. Experience or education in the field of Human Services, Psychology or Substance Abuse a definite plus.

Essential Care Coordinator Responsibilities:
• Facilitate residents' daily activities in residential setting including assistance with daily activities, chores supervision, assistance with meal service, laundry, etc.
• Observe and monitor residents' behavior and intervene based on schedule, individual treatment plans and house needs
• Facilitates assigned groups and/or meetings and/or activities per Newport Academy program
• Documents observations and interventions in resident records and shift report
• Coordinates milieu treatment with Counseling staff
• Transport residents to and from necessary appointments and outside meetings
• Ensures transportation safety by conducting inspections after driving Newport Academy vehicles and following documented safety rules
• Monitors resident's phone calls during designated hours
• Ensures physical plant safety and security by conducting regular shift checks
• Conducts intakes and orientation with new residents including intake paper and policies
• Follows emergency procedures involving medical and psychiatric emergencies, run-a-ways and AWOLs, self-injurious and assaultive behavior, etc.
• One-to-one supervision of residents at risk for AMA, suicidal risk, eating disorders, etc.
• Conduct Urinary Analysis screening and collection following appropriate procedures - once trained
• Search of residents rooms when there is suspicion of illegal drugs or contraband
• Attendance at meetings per prior arrangement, and participation as an interdisciplinary team member
Other Related Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to hold structure within the house, set limits and enforce boundaries with residents.
• Ability to observe interactions and intervene at the earliest point of conflict to prevent crisis
• Ability to communicate with residents with a positive tone in a supportive manner, creating a nurturing safe environment for them to share their feelings.
• Ability to appreciate and value each resident by being nurturing, compassionate individuals who are active listeners who care about each resident. To be sensitive to, accept and value the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity of the residents and hold each resident and their family in high regard.
• Ability to multi-task while managing emotional states remaining calm and practicing patience.

Tasks:

Attend and observe group clinical sessions, noting interactions, treatment methodologies, and patient responses. This will help students understand group dynamics, therapeutic interventions, and the role of structured interaction in patient progress.
Students will prepare detailed observation notes, identifying key themes and insights for later discussion and analysis, aligning with clinical documentation standards.

Training:

Since one-on-one sessions are not possible, students will primarily observe clinical groups led by experienced professionals. These sessions will allow students to witness a range of clinical skills, therapeutic techniques, and group dynamics in action, which will help them apply theoretical knowledge to practical settings.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of this academic internship, the student will gain a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic rapport, including its foundational role in client engagement and recovery within a residential rehab setting. The student will develop and refine skills in building trust, demonstrating empathy, and establishing professional boundaries, all of which contribute to effective client relationships. Through hands-on interactions, observing licensed therapists, and participating in supervised sessions, the student will become equipped to foster rapport that promotes client motivation, supports individual recovery goals, and enhances the therapeutic environment.

Risk Notes:

1. Site Security Details
The placement site is a secure residential facility with Newport Healthcare, specializing in care for adolescents facing mental health and substance use challenges. The facility’s security protocols are designed to ensure safety and control within a therapeutic environment:

Controlled Access: Entry to and exit from the facility are strictly controlled and monitored, with designated check-in/check-out points and electronic key access for secure areas.
Surveillance: Surveillance cameras monitor common areas and entry points 24/7 to detect and prevent unauthorized access and to allow quick response to any incidents.
Resident Supervision: Staff members maintain a constant, supervised presence in residential and activity areas, including regular checks to ensure resident safety and adherence to treatment protocols.
Emergency Response Systems: Emergency alert buttons and communication devices are available throughout the facility to allow rapid access to security personnel in the event of an incident.

2. Staff Training for Violent or Criminal Behavior Situations
Staff at the facility receive comprehensive training to identify, de-escalate, and respond to potentially violent situations or criminal behavior effectively:

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Training: Staff undergo Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training, which equips them with skills for de-escalating conflicts, identifying early signs of agitation, and maintaining safety during high-stress interactions. This includes physical intervention techniques to be used only as a last resort.
Trauma-Informed Care Techniques: Staff are trained in trauma-informed care approaches, allowing them to recognize triggers and respond sensitively to the emotional needs of residents, minimizing the potential for escalations.
Behavioral Health First Aid: Staff members also receive behavioral health training to identify signs of distress or crisis in adolescents, respond calmly, and follow protocols that prioritize safety and respect for each resident's well-being.

3. Student Training for Handling Violent or Criminal Behavior Situations
Students will receive targeted training to ensure they can identify, respond to, and stay safe in situations involving potential violence or aggression:

AWOL Prevention Training: Students will be trained in procedures for managing situations where a resident may attempt to leave the facility without authorization (AWOL). This includes recognizing early indicators of flight risk and notifying appropriate staff.
CPI Basics for Students: Students will undergo a condensed version of CPI training, covering essential techniques in crisis de-escalation and maintaining a safe distance, emphasizing situational awareness and safety-first practices.

4. Procedures to Mitigate Danger to Staff
To minimize risks during crisis situations, the facility implements the following procedures:

Proper Crisis Response Training and Support: All staff, including students, receive training tailored to crisis scenarios. During any incident, staff members work in pairs or groups, ensuring backup and support when responding to potentially volatile situations.
Clear Communication Channels: All staff have access to communication tools (e.g., walkie-talkies or emergency call systems) to call for assistance immediately if needed, allowing for quick escalation to security or additional support staff.
Regular Crisis Drills and Reviews: The facility conducts regular drills and reviews crisis protocols periodically to keep staff and students well-prepared for various scenarios, maintaining a focus on safety, teamwork, and effective response.
Structured Debriefing and Support Post-Crisis: After any incident, staff and students participate in debriefing sessions, which help them process events, review procedures, and discuss strategies to improve future safety and handling practices.
These protocols are intended to create a structured and safe environment for students to gain valuable experience while prioritizing the well-being of residents, staff, and interns.