Lead Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Harwich, MA

About The Position

The Lead Residential Counselor provides direct services in a GLE/SIE residential setting, helping Persons Served (PS) overcome barriers to independent living and prepare for greater independence. The role implements PS Treatment Plan interventions with coaching and support from the Team LPHA Clinician, supports the Program Director with administrative responsibilities, liaises with families as needed, and helps PS access and understand medical and psychiatric care. The position administers and documents medications according to Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements, provides crisis intervention when needed, and helps maintain a safe, comfortable, clean, and well-functioning residence. The Lead Residential Counselor also supports PS participation in daily household operations, advocates for PS, completes required documentation, and contributes to program quality improvement.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong commitment to the rights and ability of PS to live and work in their community of choice, build meaningful relationships, and receive needed resources and support.
Ability to establish supportive, trusting relationships with PS, families, and neighbors.
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
Ability to balance competing priorities and make independent judgments and decisions.
Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
Valid driver's license presented at hire; must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid U.S. driver's license for at least six months, and pass a driver's screening background check.
If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
Ability to perform physically active work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing.
Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift.
Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways; remain stationary for up to 50% of the time as needed; bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.
Ability to assist PS with activities of daily living.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives.
Vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
CPR certification required within two weeks of hire.
First Aid certification required within two weeks of hire.
MAP certification required within 150 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in a human service discipline.
One year of experience as a residential counselor in a setting serving PS facing mental health challenges.
One to two years of job-specific experience in the human services field.
Bilingual or bicultural background.
Lived experience of psychiatric conditions.

Responsibilities

Assist the Program Director in orienting PS who are new to the residence.
Collaborate with Integrated Team members to address PS needs and implement Treatment Plan interventions with coaching and support from 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.
Follow safety, maintenance, Human Rights, and other operational policies and procedures.
Assume Medication Officer, Safety Officer, or Human Rights Officer duties when assigned by the Program Director.
Schedule and facilitate weekly group meetings for PS, including menu input.
Complete primary grocery shopping weekly or as needed.
Comply with physical-site licensing standards and regulations.
Store, administer, document, and dispose of PS medications in accordance with MAP requirements, applicable funding-source regulations, and company policy; ensure compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols and teach PS medication management.
Create opportunities for PS to participate in the operation of the residence, including meal preparation and site maintenance.
Encourage social interaction among residents and foster a collaborative, welcoming environment for PS, families, friends, and others important in their lives.
Serve as a resource for neighbors.
Help PS prepare meals and advocate for PS.
Participate in trainings and attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
Complete required documentation and contribute to the program's quality improvement goals and objectives.
Help PS use crisis intervention techniques, and access on-call backup when needed.
Support evidence-based and best practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
Complete the residence's Infection Control Inventory.
Assist the Program Director with organizing surveillance testing for staff and PS as needed.
Complete incident documentation as needed.
Perform physical site maintenance according to the maintenance schedule.
Perform other related duties as assigned.