Residential Counselor

Overview

Responsible for overnight program activities in a community living arrangement. Provide individual and group support to persons served; teach skills to enhance independence and quality of life. Ensure a safe, secure and clean residential environment.

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 community-based support and resource services and planning recreational and social activities.
• Provides transportation, as necessary.
• Assesses residents' physical and emotional status and reports 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 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, and physicians.
• Participates in all mandated training and staff meetings, assists with orientation of new staff, and ensures compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Ensures program site safety and maintenance, including general housekeeping, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and garbage removal.
• Completes various paperwork and logs and online data records including communication logs, community membership logs, chore schedules, timesheets, and application forms.
• Functions as human rights advocate and provides physical intervention and/or first aid in the event of behavior or medical emergency.

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

Qualifications

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. 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, MAC follows CT guidelines, Safety Care required within two weeks of hire.