Lead Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Overview

Provides direct service in an Intensive GLE residential setting. Help Persons Served (PS) in residence overcome barriers to, and prepare for, living independently. Assumes administrative officer roles in the program to support the Program Director in performance of their duties and responsibilities. Liaisonswith families as needed. Supports PS in obtaining and understanding medical and psychiatric care as needed. Implements PS Treatment Plan support interventions as assigned by Clinical Program Director. Administers PS medications following Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies andprocedures. Provides crisis interventions to PS when needed. Provides physical site maintenance. Ensures a safe, comfortable and clean environment.

Responsibilities

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

• Assists the Program Director in orienting PS who are new to the residence.
• Implements PS Treatment Plan interventions as coached and supported by the Clinical Program Director.
• Performs day-to-day assignments as directed by the Clinical Program Director.
• Uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent and strengths-based approaches with PS.
• Adheres to safety, maintenance, Human Rights and other operational policies and procedures.
• Assumes role of Medication Officer, Safety Officer, Human Rights Officer as assigned by the Program Director – assignments based on shift schedule in consultation with Residential Director.
• Schedules and facilitates group meetings of PS in the residence weekly – to include menu input.
• Performs primary grocery shopping weekly or as needed for the residence.
• Complies with physical site licensing standards and regulations.
• Stores, administers, documents, and disposes 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.
• Assists and/or accompanies PS in attending regular medical and psychiatric appointments as needed.
• Creates opportunities for PS to participate in the smooth operation of the residence, including participating in meal preparation, physical site maintenance, etc.
• Encourages 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.
• Serves as a resource for neighbors.
• Helps PS prepare meals.
• Acts as an advocate for PS.
• Promotes healthcare and employment services access for PS.
• Supports the provision of evidence-based practices and best practices to PS, including Motivational Interviewing; Harm Reduction; Housing First; Stages of Change; Seeking Safety and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Participates in trainings; attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
• Assists the Program Director with the orientation of new staff.
• Completes all required documentation.
• Contributes to program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.
• Helps PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary. Accesses on-call back up when needed.
• Completes incident documentation as needed.
• Performs physical site maintenance activities following maintenance schedule.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

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

About Vinfen

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

Typical Requirements:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate’s degree in a human service discipline preferred.
• One year experience as a residential counselor or related experience in a setting working with PS facing mental health challenges and medical issues 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 are 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

Pay Range

USD $24.60 - USD $24.60 /Hr.