433 - Lead Program Counselor

Marrakech Inc.•Prospect, CT

11d

About The Position

The Lead Program Counselor works in Residential Services and reports to the Program Manager. The role schedules direct care staff and provides direct care to people with developmental and physical disabilities. It implements behavior and other habilitative programs and facilitates community integration. The position supports individuals’ daily living skills, health, safety, recreation, and community participation. It coordinates staff schedules and household routines, helps ensure compliance with licensing requirements and service plans, and serves as a role model and point of contact for direct care staff and on-call personnel. The role also maintains required program and incident documentation and follows organizational policies and procedures. The position requires an associate degree or equivalent in Human Services, Special Education, or a related field, plus experience working with people with disabilities in a community-based day or residential program. A high school diploma or GED and one year of residential experience may be accepted instead of the degree. A valid Connecticut driver’s license and applicable certifications are required. A registered, insured vehicle must be available for use.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent in Human Services, Special Education, or a related field, plus experience working with people with disabilities in a community-based day or residential program.
A high school diploma or GED and one year of residential experience may be accepted in lieu of the degree.
Valid Connecticut driver’s license.
Department of Developmental Services medication certification.
Public Service License valid for Connecticut, if applicable.
CPR and First Aid certification.
PMT certification.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and basic internet and email use; ability to learn and use web-based systems for program documentation, time and attendance, and learning management.
Ability to navigate and use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other videoconferencing technology as required.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; and speak effectively before groups.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic and compute rates, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-based instructions.
Ability to understand individual, group, organizational, community, and societal systems and their interactions in the context of developmental disabilities.
Skill in identifying natural opportunities that promote growth and goal attainment and in implementing interventions and service processes for people with developmental disabilities.
Must have a registered, insured vehicle available for use.

Responsibilities

Schedule direct care staff and ensure staffing complies with budget guidelines and special consideration requirements.
Provide direct care, including medical, dietary, hygienic, behavioral support, and teaching programs.
Oversee food purchases and ensure individuals’ dietary requirements are met.
Demonstrate and implement incidental teaching and facilitate teamwork in implementing individual program goals.
Implement daily schedules that incorporate daily living skills and community experiences.
Coordinate in-house recreation and community outings according to individuals’ interests, and ensure meaningful recreation and leisure activities are offered.
Maintain a safe, clean, orderly home and ensure agency property is maintained.
Maintain calendars and schedules for medical appointments, staff, cleaning, menus, and program implementation.
Coordinate medical appointments and follow up to ensure recommendations are implemented.
Follow procedures, protocols, and policies in personnel and program policy manuals.
Lift, transfer, and position individuals as required by service plans, and ensure schedules are followed as written.
Ensure the home complies with licensing requirements.
Complete monthly program reviews and implement behavioral and goal programs daily.
Document case notes, communication logs, programs, incident reports, abuse and neglect reports, safety reports, fire drills, and other required records.
Implement Physical/Psychological Management Training as required.
Use and maintain adaptive equipment, including Hoyer lifts, wheelchairs, feeding tubes, ostomy bags, catheter bags, and other adaptive devices.
Attend staff meetings and required in-service training.
Drive agency and personal vehicles safely and in accordance with state law while performing work-related duties.
Report unsafe situations and conditions promptly and follow up with appropriate corrective measures.
Represent the organization’s values, mission, and vision; serve customers promptly and promote person-centered supports.
Communicate accurately and professionally with coworkers and other providers.
Act as a role model to direct care staff and serve as a point of contact for on-call personnel, including nursing, management, and parents or guardians.

Benefits

Paid time off (PTO) and dedicated sick time.
Paid holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Paid and unpaid leave for bereavement, jury duty, disaster relief volunteer work, family and non-FMLA medical leave, and military leave.
Employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time employees.
External Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for full-time employees.
401(k) and profit-sharing plan.
Educational benefits, including DSP credentialing through the NADSP, tuition reimbursement, and tuition discounts at local colleges and universities.
Access to voluntary insurance and other benefits.
Staff recognition program.
Dayforce Wallet on-demand pay.
Marrakech’s homeownership program.
Perfect attendance bonus program.
Recruitment referral bonus.
Corporate discount programs.