Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

About the role

Vinfen is seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as a Residential Support Specialist. This role provides individual and group support to persons served in a residential program, enhancing their independence and quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in the home in becoming fully integrated into their communities and develop and maintain friendships.
• Aid individuals to access community-based support and resources.
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being.
• Empower and support individuals in making choices, being self-advocates, and being fully involved in decision-making.
• Support individuals in accessing assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
• Encourage and support individuals in securing, maintaining, and growing in work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Monitor individual funds, as needed.
• 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 a 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

• Candidates with one or more years of experience and/or training in a related function will be given preference for employment.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 clients with tasks of daily living.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Required Certifications/Licenses

• 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