At-Will Residential Counselor

About the Role

Join our team of Direct Support Professionals as a Residential Counselor (Direct Support Professional) supporting adults diagnosed with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities in a residential setting. Our mission is to ensure all residents are treated with dignity and respect, are self-directing, and are recognized for their inherent value as unique individuals. You will supervise daily living activities, guide individuals in developing and implementing person-centered plans, and perform duties within the framework of Department Policy, City of Alexandria Administrative Regulations, State Regulations, Human Rights guidelines, and accepted best practices.

Responsibilities

• Support residents in the development and implementation of individualized service plans that reflect person-centered practices.
• Instruct and guide residents in completing tasks to develop skills in daily living, including personal hygiene, managing finances, planning social and leisure activities, making healthy choices for health, nutrition, and safety, and accessing the community.
• Monitor medication management of residents by observation and/or administration, as applicable, and report concerns to the support team and/or supervisor.
• Monitor, evaluate, and record residents’ progress through written progress notes.
• Complete all applicable assessment documents to develop person-centered service plans.
• Write progress notes and incident reports.
• Maintain clinical records following all applicable licensing and Medicaid regulations.
• Ensure interior and exterior routine cleaning and maintenance; report repairs needed via the maintenance request system and follow up to ensure completion.
• Attend supervisory and staff meetings on a regular basis.
• Perform 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 (Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, and/or Substance Abuse/Dependence).
• Valid driver’s license issued in the state of residence.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts, including evenings and overnights.
• Flexibility to work at minimum one shift per month to remain active.
• Successful completion of pre-employment checks, including FBI Criminal Record Check, VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry, drug testing, Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database, driver’s license verification, and education/certifications.

Qualifications

• Some knowledge of supporting adults with developmental disabilities to promote individual choice, community integration, and self-determination.
• Some knowledge of person-centered practices, universal language, and positive behavioral supports.
• Some knowledge of using strategies/techniques to facilitate the development of meaningful relationships, community connections, and recreational and social activities.
• 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.
• Demonstrated empathy for the challenges of people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or developmental delay.
• Ability to identify behavior indicating movement toward a crisis situation.
• Ability to provide instruction in basic living skills and 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least three years of recent experience working in a residential setting with adults with developmental disabilities.

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety, and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse disorders.

Schedule

Must be available to work varying shifts, including evenings, overnights, and weekends. Requires flexibility for evening, overnight, weekends, holidays, and inclement weather.

• 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

Requires availability between the hours of 9am-5pm for 15 business days (upon hiring) for training.