Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

About the Role

Vinfen is a nonprofit organization providing community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. This role involves supporting individuals in a residential program to enhance their independence, quality of life, and community integration.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities and developing friendships.
• Help individuals access community-based support and resources.
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being.
• Empower individuals to make choices, advocate for themselves, and participate in decisions about their supports and lives.
• Support individuals with assistive technology and adaptive equipment to enhance communication and independence.
• Assist individuals in securing, maintaining, and growing work, volunteer, or other community engagement opportunities.
• Provide training and support in rehabilitative interventions, behavioral interventions, fire and safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, activities of daily living (ADLs), grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, household chores, and use of generic resources.
• Perform hands-on tasks to facilitate the implementation of support plans.
• Provide transportation as necessary.
• Assess the physical and emotional status of individuals and report changes to supervisors.
• Monitor individual funds as needed and maintain records.
• Collect behavior and academic data, maintain progress notes, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities in communication logs.
• Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in compliance with MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy.
• Communicate with program nurses, case managers, and visiting nurses.
• Participate in mandated training and staff meetings.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory policies, procedures, and standards.
• Maintain home safety and perform general housekeeping, snow shoveling, and trash removal.
• Adhere to corporate and divisional policies, including safe work practices, workers' compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
• Complete paperwork and logs, including communication logs, community membership logs, and activity schedules.
• Provide shift coverage in other homes/programs as assigned.
• Act as a human rights advocate.
• Provide physical intervention and/or First Aid during behavioral or medical emergencies.
• Serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment plans, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques.
• Knowledge of different communication styles and ability to adapt communication to various individuals.
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques.
• Knowledge of participatory planning techniques.
• Knowledge of physical personal management and household management skills.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
• Participatory, collaborative, and teaching skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• High motivation to learn and practice new skills.
• Consistency in performance.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; experience may substitute for academic training in some cases.
• One or more years of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred.
• Driving is required; must possess and maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required, and incumbents must be at least 21 years old with at least six months of driving experience.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb; must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two-person lift.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment.
• Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces.
• Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate effectively with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Required Certifications

• CPR certification required within two weeks of hire.
• First Aid certification required within two weeks of hire.
• MAP certification required within 150 days of hire.
• PBS Tier 1 certification required within 150 days of hire.
• Safety Care certification required within 90 days of hire.

Pay

USD $21.27 per hour.