Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

About the Role

Provide direct service in a GLE/SIE residential setting. Help Persons Served (PS) in residence overcome barriers to, and prepare for, living independently. Implement PS Treatment Plan support interventions as assigned by Team LPHA Clinician. 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.

Responsibilities

• Help orient PS who are new to the residence.
• Collaborate with Integrated Team members as needed to address needs of PS.
• Implement PS Treatment Plan interventions as directed by the Team LPHA Clinician.
• 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 Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy, if applicable.
• Ensure program compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols.
• 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 help create a collaborative environment where PS, family, friends, and others important in the lives of PS are welcome, respected, and valued.
• Serve as a resource for neighbors.
• Help PS prepare meals.
• Act as an advocate for PS.
• Participate in trainings; attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
• Assist with the orientation of new staff.
• Complete all required documentation.
• Contribute to program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.
• Help PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary.
• Access on-call backup when needed.
• Support the provision of evidence-based practices and best practices to PS, including Motivational Interviewing; Harm Reduction; Housing First; Stages of Change; Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); Seeking Safety; and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Complete incident documentation as needed.
• Perform physical site maintenance activities following maintenance schedule.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associate’s degree in a human service discipline preferred.
• One to two years of job-specific experience in the human services field preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions are encouraged to apply.

Skills

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of PS to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive the resources and supports needed 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.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.

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, and 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 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 by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Certifications Required

• CPR required within two weeks of hire.
• First Aid required within two weeks of hire.
• MAP required within 150 days of hire.

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 are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Pay

USD $22.55 - USD $22.55 /Hr.