Residence Counselor

Residential Counselor

Provides care for individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in Agency's residential program.

Job Description

1. Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team and assists in evaluating and implementing goals/outcomes. Actively implements individual programs and staff action plans by following prescribed methodology. Regularly communicates and relays pertinent information to clinical team members, supervisors, co-workers and other appropriate agency personnel.

2. Based on the needs of people supported, assists with activities of daily living including but not limited to: bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, toileting and hygienic care, dressing lifting/transferring activities.

3. Ensures the well-being and care of people we support by appropriately using specialized adaptive equipment, responding to changes in conditions, participating and assisting in fire drills, etc.

4. With input from the people we support and under the direction of the management team, participates in recreational activities in the home and accompanies people to community-based activities.

5. In accordance with Precision Care procedures, enters daily data for each person based on their individualized plans (changes in behavior, responses to staff action plans. goal progress, community activity, vital signs, blood sugar readings, bowel regimen, etc.).

6. Maintains recordkeeping practices for each assigned residence in accordance with agency policies including but not limited to: cash journals, ledgers, medication counts, household logs and fire drill records. Follows appropriate protocols for tracking and replenishing of funds, conducts medication inventory, monitors personal possessions and specialized adaptive equipment etc. and notifies supervisor of any discrepancies.

7. Prepares meals for people supported by following each person's individualized diet and menu plan and cooks accordingly based on recipe. Encourages each person to participate mealtime preparations to the extent possible.

8. Maintains cleanliness and safety of the residence by performing general housekeeping duties on a daily basis such as mopping/dusting floors and surfaces, laundering individuals' clothes, changing bed linens and making beds, cleaning kitchen cabinets and appliances, as well as monitors each person's personal possessions including any adaptive equipment.

9. Administers medications and/or treatments and documents accordingly on each person's Medication Administration Record (MAR). Communicates pertinent information regarding medical and behavioral concerns to appropriate team clinical team member. If not electronically sent, ensures that the Clinic Visit Summary (CVS) accompanies the individual to his/her medical appointments.

10. Accompanies each person as needed to their medical appointments.

11. Attends, and actively participates in and successfully completes all required training sessions. Maintains certifications as needed.

12. Knows, understands and follows the DSP Code of Ethics. Meets the expectations and standards of the DSP Core Competencies.

13. Performs variety of miscellaneous duties as assigned, such as shopping for household supplies, and going to Pharmacy and Laundromat etc.

Essential Physical Requirements

1. The ability to coordinate the movement of the arms, legs, and torso together in activities where the whole body is in motion, including the ability to exert one's self physically over long periods of time such as standing for two (2) plus hours at a time.

2. The ability to safely lift a person to/from various surfaces.

3. The ability to safely perform a two (2) person transfer. Perform a stand pivot transfer with a person who can weight bear.

4. The ability to lift and reach common objects such as laundry and nonperishable food items.

5. The ability to push/pull, turn and maneuver equipment including occupied wheelchairs.

6. Possess strength, coordination and agility to safely and quickly respond to emergency situations.

7. The ability to bend, stretch, rotate, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs to ensure the safety of individuals in all situations.

Qualifications

1. Must be able to understand and communicate in English.

2. Must have a high school diploma or GED. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.

3. Must demonstrate satisfactory completion of CP Unlimited's orientation training program.

4. Must demonstrate satisfactory completion of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) course and Annual Medication Re-Certification.

5. Must complete RBT training and certification program within 90 days of hiring. Training and certification will be provided by the agency free of cost.

6. Must be able to perform basic data entry on a personal computer (PC).

7. If a person supported requires specialized treatments/medications /procedures (ex.: g-tube feeding, insulin administration) must demonstrate satisfactory completion of a specialized course pertinent to the person's needs and obtain required certification and annual re-certification in order to remain working in a designated site.

8. Must be willing to work in multiple agency locations ("float") according to agency floating protocols.

9. Depending on residence a NYS driver's license may be required in order to be assigned to work in that location.

10. Must be able to work overtime as needed.

11. Performs all job responsibilities in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Adheres to the agency's corporate compliance program, including the code of business conduct, the NYS and federal false claims acts, whistleblower protections and mandatory reporting. Completes corporate compliance training at least annually. Fully cooperates in all corporate compliance investigations and reviews.

Machines/Equipment Operated

1. Various pieces of adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, bathroom equipment, splints, etc.)

2. Mechanical Lifter

3. Household Appliance e.g. Washing Machine/Dryer

4. Office Equipment (includes Computer, Fax, and Copier)

5. Software Applications: Novatime (Time & Attendance) and Precision Care