Residential Counselor

Overview A Residential Counselor II provides direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. They 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. Residential Counselors have a range of duties including administering medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAC), implementing treatment plans, and assisting people with activities of daily living such as household chores and cooking. They also strengthen residents' connection to their community by providing transportation on outings such as shopping and doctor’s appointments. Responsibilities The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below: 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, fire & safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, ADLs, grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, household chores, and related areas. Performs hands‑on tasks to facilitate implementation of support plans. Assists individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities. Assists residents with community-based support and resource services; plans recreational and social activities to promote emotional well‑being and improve quality of life. 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, and maintains progress notes. Enters information into electronic health record and documents all information related to incidents, programs, and routine activities in a communication log. Stores, administers, documents, and disposes of medication for persons served 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, Visiting Nurses Association nurses, and physicians. Participates in all mandated training and staff meetings, assists with the orientation of new staff, and ensures compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies. Ensures program site safety and maintenance at all times, including housekeeping, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and garbage removal. Complies with all corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control. Completes various paperwork and logs and online data records including communication logs, community membership logs, chore schedules, timesheets, and application forms. Ensures required staff-to-consumer ratio is maintained at all times; performs last‑minute coverage as required. Functions as a human rights advocate, provides physical intervention and/or first aid in the event of a behavior or medical emergency, and serves as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission. Maintains required certifications, reviews and replies to work emails, and follows all Vinfen administrative policies. Performs other related duties as required. Knowledge and Skills Advocacy techniques Different communication styles Empowerment and self‑advocacy techniques Participatory planning techniques Physical personal management skills Household management skills Crisis intervention techniques Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues Participatory, collaborative, and 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 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 highly trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. 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: At least one year of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred. Preferred / Required Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. 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, a safe driving record subject to annual checks, and a valid driver’s license at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid U.S. 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, and climb; the position is very physically active. 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 clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 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 Pay Range USD $22.05 - USD $22.05 /Hr. #J-18808-Ljbffr