Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

About the role

Vinfen is a nonprofit organization providing community-based services to individuals with various needs. This position is part of a residential program where you will provide support to enhance independence and quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Teach skills to enhance independence and self-advocacy
• Absorb and support individuals in making choices that contribute to living a good life
• Assist individuals in becoming full participants in their communities, develop and maintain friendships, and strengthen family engagement and partnerships
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being
• Empower and support individuals in making choices, be a self-advocate, and be fully involved in decision-making
• Support individuals in accessing work, volunteer, and community engagement opportunities
• Support individuals in securing, maintaining, and growing in work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities
• Support individuals in making choices that define the direction and their vision for living a good life
• Encourage and support individuals and their involved families in maintaining strong partnerships with staff and other interested parties
• Provide training and support to individuals in the home
• Perform hands-on tasks in the program as required in order to facilitate support plans
• Provide transportation, as necessary
• Assess the physical and emotional status of individuals in the home and report changes to supervisor
• Maintain records for individuals in the home
• Collect behavior and academic data and maintain progress notes
• Document all information related to incidents, programs, and routine activities in a communication log
• Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication for individuals consistent with MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and Company policy
• Communicate with and provide information to interested parties such as program nurse, case managers, and Visiting Nurses Association
• Participate in all mandated training and staff meetings as directed by the supervisor
• Ensure compliance with all internal and external regulatory policies, procedures, and standards
• Ensure home safety and maintenance as necessary at all times
• This includes general housekeeping, snow shoveling, and trash removal
• Comply with all corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control
• Complete various paperwork and logs including communication logs, community membership logs, and activity schedules
• Provide shift coverage, as necessary in other homes/programs as assigned by supervisor
• Function as human rights advocate
• Provide physical intervention and/or First Aid in the event of behavior or medical emergency
• Serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission
• Assist in developing, implementing and documenting treatment including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs
• Perform other related duties, as required

Qualifications

• Typical Requirements: Candidates with one or more years of experience and/or training in a related function are encouraged to apply.
• Preferred /Required Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.
• 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 maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.
• Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
• Physical Effort: Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Required Certifications: CPR required within two weeks of hire, First Aid required within two weeks of hire, MAP required within 150 days of hire, PBS Tier 1 required within 150 days of hire, Safety Care required within 90 days of hire