Residential Educational Counselor (Jordan House)

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Residential and Educational Support Counselor (RESC) provides comprehensive, trauma-informed care to children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This integrated role spans educational, vocational, and residential settings to promote independence, academic growth, emotional regulation, and life skills development. The RESC ensures consistency and quality of support across all environments through collaborative, person-centered, and therapeutic practices.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Adelbrook is a 24/7 operating Agency. Schedules are flexible, may include early mornings, evenings, overnights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, mandated overtime, mandated holds, and on call responsibilities. Mandation may occur to work across school and group home locations when school programs are on break.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide one-on-one and small-group academic assistance aligned with instructional and vocational plans.

• Implement behavior support and intervention strategies tailored to each individual’s needs and care plan.

• Support activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, meal preparation, medication routines, and household tasks.

• Foster therapeutic, structured environments across residential and educational settings.

• Guide skill development in communication, emotional regulation, vocational readiness, and social interaction.

• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and emotional support.

• Deliver crisis intervention using approved Physical/Psychological Management Training (PMT) techniques.

• Organize and lead structured recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities to support personal growth.

• Transport individuals to job sites, school programs, medical appointments, and community activities.

• Maintain accurate documentation of behaviors, progress, incidents, and plans in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

• Participate in team meetings, IEP and PPT discussions, staff training, and treatment planning.

• Conduct safety checks, monitor medication storage, and ensure proper supervision.

• Follow agency policies, emergency protocols, and state regulations, including mandatory reporting.

• Assist with transitioning individuals between programs (residential, educational, vocational).

• Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT). Apply training techniques appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served, staff, and others in the environment. Demonstrate competency in de-escalation strategies, safe physical interventions, and adherence to agency protocols.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support individuals and programs effectively.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: SKILLS:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills

• Empathy, patience, and active listening in high-stress situations

• Organization, time management, and attention to detail

• Proficiency with EHR systems and basic digital tools

• Effective use of de-escalation and behavioral intervention strategies

KNOWLEDGE:

• Trauma-informed care principles

• Behavioral support plans and positive reinforcement techniques

• Child and adolescent development, ASD, and IDD

• IEPs, 504 Plans, and vocational education supports

• HIPAA, ethical standards, and emergency procedures

ABILITIES:

• Build rapport and trust with individuals and families

• Support skill-building and independence in academic and life tasks

• Stay calm and professional during crises

• Adapt to different environments and individual needs

• Meet physical demands (e.g., lifting, standing, mobility support, behavioral intervention)

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent

• Preferred: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, social work, criminal justice, or a related human services field

• At least one year of experience with individuals with emotional, behavioral, or developmental disabilities

• Valid driver’s license with a clean record; ability to transport individuals safely

• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications (PMT, First Aid, CPR; training provided)

• Flexible availability including weekends, holidays, overnights, and emergency coverage

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed across school and group home settings

• May involve crisis response and physical intervention in accordance with training.

• Perform all requirements of physical management techniques (PMT)

• Regular standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and active physical engagement required

• Exposure to behavioral challenges and crisis situations requiring PMT interventions

• Travel between locations required

A job description is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility