Aspiring counsellors who are curious in the wide range of community settings in which their profession is practised may be interested in knowing what a typical day looks like in a residential treatment centre. For qualified professionals who are interested in working with people of all ages who are experiencing mental health disorders, problems with addiction, severe disabilities, criminal activity problems, eating disorders, and trauma, a long-term residential treatment centre is one of the best places to work. The following is an outline of the unique scope of practise necessary for working in a residential treatment facility, which you may use to decide whether or not you wish to put your knowledge to use in this non-traditional setting. Are you a Veteran seeking a rewarding profession in the medical field? I was wondering whether you’ve ever thought about a career working in an RTF (Residential Treatment Facility). This sector not only gives career security and advancement possibilities, but also allows one to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people struggling with mental health and behavioural challenges.
You may have gained skills and experiences as a Veteran that are applicable to a career in RTFs. You may get the knowledge and training you need for a successful career in this sector with the support of VA educational benefits. In this post, we’ll go over everything it takes to work towards a job in residential treatment facilities, including the educational perks offered by the Veterans Administration.
What does a Residential Care Counselor do?
Clients at a residential facility or structured living programme have access to residential care counsellors for emotional and practical help. They aid patients in doing ADLs such as personal grooming, eating, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and physical activity. Life skills training includes teaching individuals how to cook, clean, shop, and maybe work. Case management services and the coordination of any available supplementary programmes and resources are also provided by these counsellors.
Counsellors working in residential care often hold a bachelor’s degree in human services or a closely related discipline. Prior experience providing care to residents or in a related support function is desirable. Being patient and empathetic towards customers is essential in these positions. Clearances and background checks of various kinds are standard procedure.
Salary of Residential Treatment Facility Workers
As of May 203, drug addiction, behavioural disorder, and mental health counsellors, including those working in residential treatment centres, had a median annual salary of $48,720, according to the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS). Earnings ranged from around $30,450 for the lowest 10% to over $76,080 for the richest 10%.
As of May 2023, the BLS also reported that the median annual salary for social and human care aides, who sometimes work in RTFs, was $36,890. In terms of income, the bottom 10% made less than $24,040, while the top 10% made more than $57,630.
Reasons to Consider an Inpatient Programme
Innumerable people have benefited from residential therapy, one of the high-quality levels of care provided by a variety of treatment centres. Residential treatment centres help people of all ages who are struggling with a variety of issues related to their mental health and/or drug abuse. Staff members are committed to providing clinically great care and have the knowledge, skills, and resources to assist patients in receiving the advice, support, and interventions they need to successfully complete their prescribed courses of treatment.
Our residential treatment programmes utilise a wide variety of therapy techniques, including those listed below.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
- 12-Step philosophy
Common Services Rendered In A Residential Treatment Facility
1. Assessment and Evaluation Services
The first thing that happens in a residential treatment centre is an assessment and evaluation of the patient’s mental and physical health. This aids in the development of a personalised treatment strategy.
2. Medication Management
Medication management is an important part of residential therapy for many people with mental health disorders. The staff will keep tabs on how often patients take their meds and make any necessary modifications.
3. Individual Therapy
Inpatient treatment centres often provide individual therapy sessions with a licenced therapist. Patients might use this time to reflect on their lives and learn coping mechanisms for their mental health difficulties.
4. Group Therapy
Inpatient treatment centres frequently use group therapy as a method of therapy. Patients often find solace and strength in the company of those going through the same things they are.
5. Behavioral Therapy
Residential treatment centres may also provide behavioural therapy for their patients. It teaches people with mental health issues how to alter their behaviour and adapt to their symptoms.
6. Recreational Therapy
For optimal health, several professionals recommend recreational therapy sessions. The outdoors and creative pursuits are only two examples.
7. Family Therapy
Patients’ treatment plans in residential facilities frequently incorporate family therapy. Working with a therapist to enhance family communication and resolve underlying issues that may be exacerbating the patient’s mental health condition is an integral part of this approach.
8. Support Groups
Support groups are a common amenity in residential treatment centres. Patients can get support and understanding from others who are going through the same things in these communities.
9. Educational and Vocational Services
To better prepare its patients for the future, several residential treatment centres provide them with educational and vocational opportunities. Classes, training, and education can fall under this category.
10. Organising Follow-Up Care
In order to make sure that patients are set up for success once they leave residential treatment, several institutions offer aftercare planning services. Support groups, outpatient treatment, and other services may be recommended.
How to Get Your Foot in the Door at a Residential Treatment Centre
Veterans interested in becoming RTFPs should think about earning the necessary education, certification, and job experience, as well as any necessary state certifications or licences. Many entry-level employment require a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a similar subject. Experience in a relevant field can be gained through internships, volunteer positions, or paid employment. Meeting the eligibility requirements, studying the state requirements, and completing the required training or coursework are all steps in the process of obtaining a licence or certification.
Get a four-year degree:
Getting a bachelor’s degree in an area like psychology, social work, counselling, or nursing is the first step towards a career working in residential treatment facilities.
Obtain Relevant Work Experience:
Clinical experience is often a prerequisite for working in a residential treatment facility. Internships, volunteer opportunities, and beginner jobs in mental health are all good ways to get some experience.
Get Your Master's Degree:
Some jobs just require a bachelor’s degree, but most prefer individuals with master’s degrees in fields like social work, counselling, or psychology.
Get licenced and certified:
Different states and occupations have different licencing and certification requirements. Residential treatment facility staff members may need professional credentials in social work, counselling, or psychology. Cognitive-behavioral therapists and dialectical behaviour therapists, for example, may require further training and certification.
There are certain credentials you’ll need to work at a residential treatment centre. A history check, application, examination, and licence issuing may all be part of this procedure. Here’s the lowdown on each stage:
Conducting a History Verification-
A background check is often required before a licence application can be processed. A background check may be conducted, along with an examination of your academic and professional credentials.
In order to satisfy this requirement in the state of Florida, applicants must utilise an approved supplier for electronic fingerprinting services, as specified by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. (DBPR). The Florida Electronic Fingerprinting Service is a widely utilised authorised provider.
A health screening may also be required, however this may vary by state.
Licence Application-
You will be able to apply for your licence when you have completed the required background check and medical examination. You’ll need to fill out an application and pay a fee to do this. It’s possible that you’ll also need to submit proof of your skills, degrees, and employment history.
Preparing for the Test-
There is testing involved with getting a licence. Depending on where you live and what kind of licence you’re trying to get, the specifics of the examination may change. Learning the content and taking mock exams will help you become ready for the real thing.
Obtaining Your Licence-
Your licence will be awarded if you have successfully completed the examination and all other criteria. Don’t let your licence lapse by ignoring renewal or CE requirements put in place by your state’s licencing authority.
Get some experience in supervisory and leadership roles:
Those who wish to be in managerial roles inside a residential treatment centre should actively seek out possibilities to do so. Mentoring, leadership development courses, and taking on more responsibility at work are all ways to help employees reach this goal.
Maintain Your Competence Through Ongoing Training:
Experts in the field of residential treatment facilities should always be aware of the most recent findings, treatment methods, and best practises in their respective fields. Courses, conferences, and seminars for further education are great ways to achieve this goal.
How to Become an Expert in Residential Treatment Facilities Using Your Veterans Administration Benefits
Residential treatment facility professionals are required to have extensive training and education. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) fortunately provides educational advantages to veterans who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession. This aid can be used to pay for things like school supplies and tuition. This post will go through the educational perks offered by the VA that can assist service members transition into careers in residential treatment facilities.
The following are the educational advantages provided by the VA:
- The Veterans Benefits Act of 2003: Veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001 are entitled to receive this benefit, which will pay for their participation in approved educational or vocational programmes. It can pay for all of your school expenses, including books and accommodation, and provide you a monthly allowance for living expenses.
- Veterans who served on or after July 1, 1985 are eligible to receive benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill. A monthly stipend is provided to help defray educational expenditures including tuition, books, and fees.
- Veterans with service-connected impairments may be eligible for funding under the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Programme. It can help with things like job placement and covering college costs like tuition and books.
- Funding for tuition and fees above what is covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill is available through the Yellow Ribbon Programme. Veterans who meet the requirements and attend one of the schools that provide this can apply.
- Tuition Assistance is a perk that helps active-duty service members pay for school. It pays for all or most of your education expenses and gives you money for books and materials.
- Veterans can get the training they need to work in the residential treatment facility industry thanks to the educational advantages provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
In conclusion
Veterans who are interested in helping others may find it satisfying to pursue a career as an RTFP. Veterans can use their VA education benefits to get the education, training, and licencing they need to find employment and thrive in this industry. We urge veterans to learn more about these opportunities and take the steps to become a licenced or certified RTFP by, for example, looking into the specific licensure requirements in their home state. Let’s help our service members transition into civilian occupations that put their skills to use.
