Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

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.

Responsibilities

• Help orient Persons Served (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
• 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 participating in meal preparation, physical site maintenance, etc.
• 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 back up 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

Qualifications

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

Knowledge and 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 the 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 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 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
• Must have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months
• Must be able to pass a driver's screening background check

Physical Effort

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb
• 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 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

Pay

USD $23.58 - USD $23.58 /Hr.