Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Overview

As an ACCS Residential Counselor, you will provide direct support to people with psychiatric conditions in a residential Group Living Environment designed to foster independence. In your role you will 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.

In this role you will have a range of duties include administrating medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAP) and assisting people with activities of daily living, such as household chores and cooking. You will also work alongside the Clinical Program Director to implement treatment plans which are recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent and strengths-based approaches.

Keywords: group home, direct care, DSP, Direct Support, social services, counseling, social work, psychology, mental illness, mental health, disability, behavioral, rehabilitative, psychiatric, outreach worker, outreach services , human services, nonprofit, crisis, trauma, advocacy, recovery, VinfenRC

Responsibilities

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

• Help orient PS who are new to the residence.
• Collaborate with Integrated Team members as needed to address needs of PS. Implement PS Treatment Plan interventions as directed by the by Team LPHA Clinician.
• Perform day-to-day assignments as directed by the Program Director.
• Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent and strengths-based approaches with PS.
• Adhere to safety, maintenance, Human Rights and other operational policies and procedures.
• Comply with physical site licensing standards and regulations.
• Store, administer, document and dispose of PS medication consistent with Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements, funding source regulations and company policy, if applicable. Ensure program compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols. Teach PS medication management.
• Create opportunities for PS to participate in the smooth operation of the residence, including participating in meal preparation, physical site maintenance, etc.
• Encourage social interaction between residents and help create a collaborative environment where PS, family, friends, and others important in the lives of PS are welcome, respected and valued. Serve as a resource for neighbors.
• Help PS prepare meals.
• Act as an advocate for PS.
• Participate in trainings; attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
• Assist with the orientation of new staff.
• Complete all required documentation.
• Contribute to program's quality improvement goals and objectives.
• Help PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary. Access on-call back up when needed.
• Support the provision of evidence-based practices and best practices to PS, including Motivational Interviewing; Harm Reduction; Housing First; Stages of Change; Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); Seeking Safety and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Complete incident documentation as needed.
• Perform physical site maintenance activities following maintenance schedule
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

About Vinfen

Why Vinfen? We are committed to you! We offer great training, great benefits, career growth and job security!

Our comprehensive and generous benefits package includes:

About Us:

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate's degree in a human services discipline preferred.
• Prior experience working in a human services setting strongly preferred.
• Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions.
• Must be a least 21 years of age and have held a valid US driver's license for at least 6 months and should be able to pass a CORI, driving record, employment reference check as well as a multi-state background check.
• Must be able to become CPR and First Aid certified within two weeks of hire and become MAP certified within 150 days of hire.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of PS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the resources and supports needed in their community of choice
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with PS, families and neighbors
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability and gender issues
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment

Typical Requirements:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate's degree in a human service discipline preferred.
• One to two years of job-specific experience in human services field preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions encouraged to apply.

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 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, 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.

Physical Effort:

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 PS with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, 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.

Additional Certifications Required:

CPR required within two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
MAP required within 150 days of hire