Lead Residential Counselor

About the role

The Lead Residential Counselor provides direct support to people with behavioral conditions and intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting or individual living arrangements. They work collaboratively with the people they serve, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to enhance their lives by fostering independence or improving their quality of life. The role involves administering medication, implementing treatment plans, assisting with daily living activities, and promoting community integration.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and documents treatment plans including Individual Service Plans (ISP) and clinical programs.
• Provides training and support to individuals served, including rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, fire and safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, ADLs, grocery shopping, meal planning, household chores, and other related areas.
• Performs hands-on tasks in the program to facilitate support plans.
• Affords assistance in becoming fully integrated into communities, including community-based support and resource services, recreational activities, and transportation.
• Assesses residents' physical and emotional status and reports changes to supervisors.
• Maintains residents' funds and documents all relevant information.
• Maintains records for individuals served, collects behavior and academic data, and maintains progress notes.
• Enters information into electronic health records and documents all activities in a communication log.
• Administers and documents medication storage and disposal according to MAC requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy.
• Communicates with interested parties such as program nurses, funding agencies, case managers, service providers, and healthcare professionals.
• Participates in all mandated training and staff meetings as directed by the manager.
• Assists with the orientation of new staff and ensures compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies.
• Maintains program site safety and performs regular maintenance tasks.
• Completes various paperwork and logs, including communication logs, community membership logs, chore schedules, timesheets, and application forms.
• Maintains the required staff-to-consumer ratio at all times.
• Performs last-minute coverage as required.
• Serves as a human rights advocate and provides physical intervention and/or first aid in emergencies.
• Serves as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
• Maintains required certifications, reviews and responds to work emails, and follows all Vinfen administrative policies.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Skills

• Advocacy techniques
• Personal computer applications and equipment
• Multi-tasking in a time-sensitive environment
• Organizational skills
• Cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender sensitivity
• Participatory and teaching skills
• Independence and teamwork
• Professional and confidential communication
• New skill acquisition
• Empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
• Participatory planning techniques
• Physical and household management skills
• Crisis intervention techniques
• Online tool proficiency (Microsoft Outlook, electronic health record)

About Vinfen

Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization established in 1977. We provide community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services aim to promote recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination for the people we serve. With over 3,500 dedicated employees, we offer a wide range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services across Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information, visit www.vinfen.org/careers.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a Residential Counselor role.
• Demonstrated exceptional performance and teamwork in the Residential Counselor role.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Driving is a requirement for this position, using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle.
• A valid driver's license is required, and incumbents must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
• CPR, First Aid, and Safety Care certifications are required within two weeks of hire.