At-Will Residential Counselor

About the role

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) seeks compassionate and committed individuals to join our team of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The DSPs will support adults diagnosed with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities in a residential setting.

Responsibilities

• Supports residents in the development and implementation of an individualized service plan that reflects person centered practices;
• Instructs and guides residents in the completion of tasks to assist with the development of skills in: completion of daily living skills and tasks including personal hygiene; managing finances; planning social and leisure activities; making healthy choices for health, nutrition and safety; and accessing the community;
• Maintains clinical records following all applicable licensing and Medicaid regulations;
• Ensures interior and exterior routine cleaning, maintenance and reports repairs needed via the maintenance request system and follows up to ensure completion;
• Attends supervisory and staff meetings on a regular basis;
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED plus completion of post-high school training/education pertaining to behavioral health, medical health, substance abuse and/or mental health;
• At least one year of direct work experience with individuals served by the specific program where the position is located (Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, and/or Substance Abuse/Dependence); or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities;
• A valid driver's license issued in the state of your residence;
• Basic computer skills;
• Availability to work varying shifts, including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of recent experience working in a residential setting with adults with developmental disabilities;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, and co-workers;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing;
• Good knowledge of large household coordination and maintenance;
• Good understanding of the nature of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or developmental delay and the role of residential support services;
• Demonstrate empathy for the challenges of people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or developmental delay;
• Ability to identify behavior which indicates movement toward a crisis situation;
• Ability to provide instruction in basic living skills and to identify progress and learning requirements;
• Ability to obtain the cooperation of clients in difficult situations;
• Ability to use independent judgment within established policies, regulations, and guidelines.

Skills

• Knowledge of supporting adults with developmental disabilities that promote individual choice, community integration, and self-determination;
• Knowledge of person-centered practices, universal language, and positive behavioral supports;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, and co-workers;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing;
• Good knowledge of large household coordination and maintenance;
• Good understanding of the nature of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or developmental delay and the role of residential support services;
• Demonstrate empathy for the challenges of people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or developmental delay;
• Ability to identify behavior which indicates movement toward a crisis situation;
• Ability to provide instruction in basic living skills and to identify progress and learning requirements;
• Ability to obtain the cooperation of clients in difficult situations;
• Ability to use independent judgment within established policies, regulations, and guidelines.

Benefits

Commensurate with experience.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Weekdays (Monday through Friday) – 6:00am – 2:00pm / 3:00pm – 11:00pm
Weekends (Saturday & Sunday) – 7:00am – 3:00pm / 9:00am – 9:00pm / 3:00pm – 11:00pm
Overnights (Sunday through Saturday) – 11:00pm – 7:00am / 12:00am – 8:00am

Note

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment checks, including an FBI Criminal Record Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Drug Testing; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Driver's License from the state of residence; and education/certifications. This position requires availability between the hours of 9am-5pm for 15 business days (upon hiring) for Training.