Awake Overnight Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

As an ACCS Awake Overnight Residential Counselor in a Residential Group Living Environment (GLE), you will provide direct support to people with psychiatric conditions in a residential setting designed to assist in fostering independence.

About the Role

ACCS Awake Overnight Residential Counselors are vital to ensuring that Persons Served (PS) receive quality services regardless of the time of day. In this role, you will work with the people we serve, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to transform their lives by building independence skills or increasing each person's quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct service in a GLE/SIE residential setting.
• Help Persons Served (PS) overcome barriers to, and prepare for, living independently.
• Implement PS Treatment Plan support interventions as assigned.
• Administer PS medications following Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies and procedures.
• Provide crisis interventions to PS when needed.
• Ensure a safe, comfortable, and clean environment through physical site maintenance.
• Help PS who are new to the residence settle in and support those who have difficulty sleeping at night.
• Perform day-to-day assignments as directed by the Program Director.
• Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches with PS.
• Adhere to safety, maintenance, Human Rights, and other operational policies and procedures.
• Comply with physical site licensing standards and regulations.
• Store, administer, document, and dispose of PS medication consistent with MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy.
• Teach PS medication management.
• Create opportunities for PS to participate in the smooth operation of the residence, including meal preparation and physical site maintenance.
• Encourage social interaction between residents and foster a collaborative environment where PS, family, friends, and others are welcome, respected, and valued.
• Serve as a resource for neighbors.
• Help PS prepare meals.
• Participate in trainings, attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
• Assist with the orientation of new staff.
• Complete all required documentation.
• Contribute to the program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.
• Help PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary and access on-call backup as needed.
• Complete incident documentation as needed.
• Perform physical site maintenance activities following the maintenance schedule.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Associate’s degree in a human services related discipline preferred.
• Prior experience working in a human services setting strongly preferred.
• Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and have held a valid US driver's license for at least 6 months.
• Must pass a CORI, driving record, employment reference check, and multi-state background check.
• Must become CPR and First Aid certified within two weeks of hire and MAP certified within 150 days of hire.

Skills

• Strong commitment to the rights and abilities of PS to live, work, and have meaningful relationships in their community of choice.
• Skills and competence to establish supportive, trusting relationships with PS, families, and neighbors.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and make independent judgments and decisions.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb as this is a physically active position.
• 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 PS with tasks of daily living.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed.
• Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

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 as well as a safe driving record, which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.

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 provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Pay

USD $20.50 - USD $20.50 per hour.