Awake Overnight Residential Counselor

Vinfen•New Britain, CT

About The Position

Responsible for overnight program activities in a community living arrangement. Provides individual and group support to persons served and teaches skills that enhance their independence and quality of life. Ensures the residential environment is safe, secure, and clean. The counselor must remain awake, alert, and dressed throughout the entire shift. The role requires driving using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle; personal-vehicle drivers must maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record. A valid driver’s license must be presented at employment, and drivers must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least six months, and pass a driving background check. The position is physically active and includes assisting clients with activities of daily living.

Requirements

Three months to one year of experience in a related function.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver’s license presented at employment; at least 21 years of age; at least six months of valid U.S. driving history; and ability to pass a driving screening background check.
If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record, subject to annual checks.
CPR certification required within two weeks of hire.
First Aid certification required within two weeks of hire.
MAC certification following Connecticut guidelines.
Safety Care certification required within 60 days of hire.
Knowledge and use of different communication styles.
Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques.
Knowledge of participatory planning techniques.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
Teaching skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques.
Knowledge of required physical personal management skills and household management skills.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb; lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift; operate a computer and office equipment; sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to assist clients with daily living tasks and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
Vision abilities including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
For positions in day programs or group residences, ability to assist with routine living activities such as cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Responsibilities

Assist with implementing treatment programs, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs, and may participate in treatment planning.
Maintain records for persons served; collect behavior and academic data, maintain progress notes, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities in a communication log.
Train and support persons served with activities of daily living, including showering, personal hygiene, dressing, and household chores.
Conduct fire and safety training for persons served and document it in the training log.
Monitor the physical and emotional needs of persons served and report changes to a supervisor.
Store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with MAC requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy.
Participate in mandated training and staff meetings as directed by the Site Manager; assist with orienting new staff and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Comply with corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
Perform hands-on program tasks as required to implement support plans; maintain program-site safety and maintenance, including housekeeping, snow shoveling, and garbage removal.
Provide transportation as necessary.
Maintain the required staff-to-person-served ratio at all times and provide last-minute coverage as required.
Provide physical intervention and/or first aid during behavioral or medical emergencies and serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission.
Remain awake, alert, and dressed throughout the entire shift.
Perform other related duties as required.