Middletown Residential Counselor

Residential Support Counselor

The Residential Support Counselor (RSC) supports a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing direct care, guidance, and behavioral support to children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This role ensures a safe, high-quality, structured, trauma-informed care in a therapeutic, supportive, and person-centered environment while fostering independence and life skills development. The RSC will implement behavior management strategies, assist with daily living activities, and support residents in residential, group homes, and community settings.

Schedules are flexible, may include early mornings, evenings, overnights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, mandated overtime, mandated holds, and on call responsibilities. The RSC reports to the program designated supervisor.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Teach and assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, meal preparation, and household tasks.
• Organize and implement structured therapeutic and recreational activities to encourage socialization and personal growth.
• Transport residents to medical appointments, off-site activities, and community integration programs.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including behavioral data, progress reports, and incident reports in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

Skills, knowledge, and responsibilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and empathetically with residents, families, and team members.
• Active listening and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Patience, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
• Accurately record daily activities, incidents, and behavioral observations.
• Write clear, concise reports for supervisors and case managers.
• Ability to respond appropriately to behavioral or emotional crises.
• Use de-escalation techniques effectively.
• Organize tasks and prioritize responsibilities to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) and basic Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, email).

Knowledge:

• Understanding of common mental health diagnoses and developmental disabilities.
• Awareness of trauma-informed care practices.
• Familiarity with daily living supports, personal care assistance, and community integration.
• Knowledge of hygiene, medication administration (if applicable), emergency protocols, and safety procedures.
• Understanding of positive behavioral supports, reinforcement, and behavior management plans.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and ethical standards in residential care.

Abilities:

• Assist residents with hygiene, meals, medication, and community outings.
• Encourage and support skill-building and self-sufficiency among residents.
• Ability to take initiative and also collaborate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Flexibility to adjust to different situations, behaviors, or resident needs.
• Balance empathy with professionalism in emotionally challenging environments.
• Capable of lifting, standing, or performing physical tasks as needed (e.g., helping residents with mobility).

Education, experience, and other qualifications:

• Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: Associate or Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, criminal justice, or a related human services field.
• Experience: At least one year working with individuals with emotional, behavioral, or developmental disabilities in a residential or community setting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with residents, staff, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Must be flexible to work across various educational, residential, and group home settings as needed.
• Strong communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet transportation requirements as needed.
• Ability to complete and maintain relevant certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR, crisis intervention).

Work environment and physical demands:

• Work is performed in residential, clinical, or community-based settings.
• May involve crisis response and physical intervention in accordance with training.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist individuals with daily living activities.
• Ability to be on feet for extended periods and participate in recreational or community-based activities with residents.
• Perform all requirements of physical management techniques (PMT).
• Exposure to behaviors that may require de-escalation or intervention.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.