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, develop and maintain friendships, and strengthen family engagement and partnerships.

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 emotional well-being
• Empower and support individuals to make choices, be self-advocates, and be fully involved in decisions determining the direction of their supports and lives
• Support individuals with access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment to augment communication and live more independently
• Support individuals in securing, maintaining and growing in work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities
• Encourage and support individuals and their families in maintaining strong partnerships 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, and use of generic resources
• Perform hands-on tasks in the program to facilitate implementation of support plans
• Provide transportation as necessary
• Assess the physical and emotional status of individuals and report changes to supervisor
• Monitor individual funds as needed
• Maintain records, collect behavior and academic data, and maintain progress notes; document incidents, programs, and routine activities in a communication log
• Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication consistent with MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and Company policy
• 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
• 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
• Comply with corporate and divisional policies including safe work practices, workers' compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control
• Complete various paperwork and logs including communication logs, community membership logs, and activity schedules
• Provide shift coverage in other homes/programs as assigned
• Function as human rights advocate; provide physical intervention and/or First Aid in the event of behavior or medical emergency; serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission
• 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 of individuals through different communication styles
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
• High motivation to learn and practice new skills
• Consistency in performance
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats