Counselors
Counselors at Operation Get Down are licensed professionals and serve in various capacities. Classroom instruction – much of it utilizing cognitive behavior therapy principles – is a key component of counselor duties, as are one-on-one sessions with clients. Staff members also provide case-management services, putting clients in touch with appropriate services by referring them for medical, employment or other services. Peer support also is available as OGD’s professional staff develops care plans tailored to each client’s individual needs.
Kitchen Staff
Operation Get Down’s culinary staff serves three meals a day, 365 days per year, to its residential population, which often approaches 200 people. Staff members also provide daily meals to emergency-shelter visitor’s year ‘round.
Security
OGD’s Security personnel ensure clients are safe while on Operation Get Down property, and are responsible for providing an orderly and structured environment. They monitor the comings and goings of residents, conduct personal and room searches when appropriate, advise and instruct residents throughout the day, and generally keep track of the client population within OGD.
Maintenance
The maintenance staff at Operation Get Down not only performs day-to-day cleaning duties for the entire facility, but also is responsible for the repair and upkeep of much of the building’s infrastructure and mechanical systems. It’s yeoman’s work for the former YMCA facility built in 1931.