Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Overview

Provide individual and group support to persons served in a residential program. Teach skills to enhance independence and quality of life. Ensure a safe, secure and clean residential environment. Assist individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in the home in becoming fully integrated into their communities, and develop and maintain friendships.
• Assist individuals to access community-based support and resources.
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and the emotional well being of individuals.
• Empower and support individuals in the home to make choices, be a self advocate, and be fully involved in making decisions.
• Support individuals with access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
• Support individuals in securing, maintaining and growing in work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Encourage and support individuals and their involved families in maintaining strong partnership with staff and other interested parties.
• Provide training and support including rehabilitative interventions, behavioral interventions and monitoring, fire & safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, ADLs, grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores.
• Perform hands-on tasks in the program as required to facilitate implementation of support plans.
• Provide transportation, as necessary.
• Assess the physical and emotional status of individuals in the home and report changes to supervisor.
• Monitor individual funds, as needed.
• Maintain records for individuals in the home; collect behavior and academic data and maintain progress notes.
• Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication consistent with MAP requirements.
• Communicate with and provide information to interested parties such as program nurse, case managers, and Visiting Nurses Association.
• Participate in all mandated training and staff meetings as directed by the supervisor.
• Ensure compliance with all internal and external regulatory policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure home safety and maintenance including general housekeeping, snow shoveling, and trash removal.
• Complete various paperwork and logs including communication logs, community membership logs, and activity schedules.
• Provide shift coverage, as necessary in other homes/programs as assigned by supervisor.
• Function as human rights advocate; provide physical intervention and/or First Aid in the event of behavior or medical emergency.
• Assist in developing, implementing and documenting treatment including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
• Knowledge and use of different communication styles
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
• Knowledge of participatory planning techniques
• Knowledge of required physical personal management skills
• Knowledge of required household management skills
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
• Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to adapt and communicate to a variety individuals through the use of different communication styles
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
• High motivation to learn, practice new skills
• Consistency in performance
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats

Qualifications

Candidates with one or more years of experience and/or training in a related function are encouraged to apply. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.

Required Certifications: CPR required within two weeks of hire; First Aid required within two weeks of hire; MAP required within 150 days of hire; PBS Tier 1 required within 150 days of hire; Safety Care required within 90 days of hire.