Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Overview

As a Residential Counselor, you will provide direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. You will work together with the people we serve, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to transform their lives by building independence skills or increasing each person's quality of life.

Job Duties and 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 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, 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, maintain progress notes, and 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 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 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; 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

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Experience working with people with developmental disabilities and/or brain injury strongly preferred
• Strong time management and writing skills
• All applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a current, valid, US drivers' license for at least 6 months
• Must be able to become CPR and First Aid certified within 2 weeks of employment and MAP certified within 150 days of employment
• Must successfully complete Safety Care within 90 days
• Must be able to successfully pass a CORI, reference, national fingerprinting and driving record check

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

Driving Requirements

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance and maintain a safe driving record subject to annual checks. 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 one year, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. For positions in day programs or group residences, ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.