Awake Overnight Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Haverhill, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As an ACCS Awake Overnight Residential Counselor in a Residential Group Living Environment (GLE), you will provide direct support to people with psychiatric conditions in a residential setting designed to assist in fostering independence. This role is vital to ensuring that Persons Served are able to receive quality services regardless of the time of day. You will work together with the people we serve, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to transform their lives by either building independence skills or increasing each person's quality of life. Your duties will include administering medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAP), implementing treatment plans, assisting people with activities of daily living, and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the program. Vinfen, established in 1977, 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. Vinfen's services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
All candidates for this position must be at least 21 years of age.
Have held a valid US driver's license for at least 6 months.
Be able to pass a CORI, driving record, employment reference check as well as a multi-state background check.
Be able to become CPR certified within two weeks of hire.
Be able to become First Aid certified within two weeks of hire.
Be able to become MAP certified within 150 days of hire.
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 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.
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 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.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in a human services related discipline preferred.
Prior experience working in a human services setting strongly preferred.
Preference given to bilingual/bicultural applicants.
Preference given to applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions.

Responsibilities

Help PS who are new to the residence settle in, provide support to PS who have difficulty sleeping at night, encourage good sleep habits.
Implement PS Treatment Plan interventions as directed by Team LPHA Clinician.
Perform day-to-day assignments as directed by 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. 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.
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.
Complete incident documentation as needed.
Perform physical site maintenance activities following maintenance schedule.
Perform other related duties, as assigned.