Residential Counselor
Vinfen
Summary
A Residential Counselor provides direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. They work together with the people we serve, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to transform their lives by either building independence skills or increasing each person's quality of life.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Assists in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/IPs and clinical programs.
- Provides training and support to persons served, including rehabilitative interventions, behavioral interventions and monitoring, fire & safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, ADLs, grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores and other related areas.
- Assists individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities, including planning recreational and social activities.
- Provides transportation, as necessary.
- Assesses residents' physical and emotional status, and report changes to supervisor.
- Monitors residents' funds, as needed.
- Maintains records for persons served, collects behavior and academic data, maintains progress notes, and enters information into electronic health record.
- Stores, administers, documents and disposes of medication for persons served consistent with MAC requirements, funding source regulations and Company policy.
- Communicates with and provides information to interested parties such as program nurse, funding agency, case managers, other service providers, Visiting Nurses Association nurses, and physicians.
- Participates in all mandated training and staff meetings as directed by manager.
- Ensures program site safety and maintenance as necessary at all times.
- Complies with all corporate and divisional policies and procedures.
- Completes various paperwork and logs and online data records.
- Ensures required staff to consumer ratio is maintained at all times.
- Functions as human rights advocate and provides physical intervention and/or first aid in the event of behavior or medical emergency.
- Maintains required certifications, reviews and replies to work emails, and follows all Vinfen administrative policies.
- Performs 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 learn and use online tools such as Microsoft Outlook and an electronic health record
Requirements
- At least one year of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required
- 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 as well as maintain a safe driving record which is 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
- Must have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months
- 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 operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer
- 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 required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
- CPR required within two weeks of hire
- First Aid required within two weeks of hire
- MAC follows CT guidelines
- Safety Care required within two weeks of hire
Benefits
- 401(a) retirement plan
- 403(b) plan
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life & AD&D Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Time Off
Company overview
Vinfen is a leading nonprofit health and human services organization established in 1977, specializing in community-based mental health care and disability services. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Vinfen operates over 200 locations across Massachusetts and Connecticut, serving more than 3,500 individuals annually. The organization provides comprehensive services for people with psychiatric conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, autism, and behavioral health challenges. Their evidence-based programs include residential supports, clinical outreach, employment services, day habilitation programs, clubhouses, and crisis intervention services. Vinfen employs approximately 2,600-3,300 dedicated professionals who deliver person-centered care through innovative service models. The organization operates Community Behavioral Health Centers offering 24/7 crisis intervention, outpatient therapy, and medication management. With annual revenues exceeding $250 million, Vinfen is recognized as one of the largest nonprofit employers in Massachusetts and has received numerous awards for excellence in health and human services, including recognition as a Top Place to Work by The Boston Globe.