Lead Residential Counselor

Vinfen•Manchester, CT

4d•$25 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Residential Counselor provides direct support to individuals with behavioral conditions, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. This role involves transforming lives by building independence skills and increasing the quality of life for those served, in collaboration with their families, friends, employers, and other support staff. Key duties include administering medication, implementing treatment plans, and assisting with daily living activities such as household chores and cooking. The Lead Residential Counselor also strengthens residents' community connections by providing transportation for outings and serves as an experienced resource for program development and staff skill enhancement, modeling skills and assisting with new staff training and onboarding.

Requirements

A minimum of two years' experience in a Residential Counselor role.
Demonstrated track record as an exceptional performer and team-player while in the Residential Counselor role.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Must be at least 21 years of age and have a current, valid, US drivers' license for at least 6 months.
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal, insured vehicle.
Must be able to become CPR, First Aid, and Safety Care certified within 60 days of employment and MAC certified within 150 days of employment.
Must be able to successfully pass a CORI and SORI reference, multi-state background and driving record check.
Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment
Ability to multi-task in a time sensitive environment
Organizational skills
Ability to adapt and communicate to a variety of individuals through the use of different communication styles
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
High motivation to learn, practice new skills
Consistency in performance
Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
Knowledge of participatory planning techniques
Knowledge of required physical personal management skills
Knowledge of required household management skills
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
Strong ability to learn and use online tools such as Microsoft Outlook and an electronic health record
A minimum of two years’ experience in a Residential Counselor role.
Demonstrated track record as an exceptional performer and team-player while in the Residential Counselor role.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required
Must be at least 21 years of age and have a current, valid, US drivers' license for at least one year
Must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
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 clients with tasks of daily living.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, 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.
For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.
CPR required within two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
MAC follows CT guidelines
Safety Care required within two weeks of hire

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Responsibilities

Assists in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment including ISP/IPs and clinical programs.
Provides training and support to persons served, including rehabilitative interventions, behavioral interventions and monitoring, fire & safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, ADLs, grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores and other related areas. Performs hands-on tasks in the program, as required in order to facilitate implementation of support plans.
Assists individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities. Assists residents with community-based support and resource services. Plans recreational and social activities to promote the emotional well-being of persons served and improve quality of life. This includes holiday and birthday parties, celebrations, outings, community travel, church activities, decorating, shopping and other related activities.
Provides transportation, as necessary.
Assesses residents’ physical and emotional status, and report changes to supervisor.
Monitor residents’ funds, as needed.
Maintains records for persons served. Collects behavior and academic data and maintains progress notes. Enters information into electronic health record. Documents all information related to incidents, programs, and routine activities in a communication log.
Stores, administers, documents and disposes of medication for persons served consistent with MAC requirements, funding source regulations, and Company policy.
Communicates with and provides information to interested parties such as program nurse, funding agency, case managers, other service providers, Visiting Nurses Association nurses, and physicians.
Participates in all mandated training and staff meetings as directed by manager. Assists with the orientation of new staff. Ensures compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies.
Ensures program site safety and maintenance, as necessary at all times. This includes general housekeeping, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and garbage removal.
Complies with all corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
Completes various paperwork and logs and online data records including communication logs, community membership logs, chore schedules, timesheets, and application forms.
Ensures required staff to consumer ratio is maintained at all times. Must perform last minute coverage, as required.
Functions as human rights advocate. Provides physical intervention and/or first aid in the event of behavior or medical emergency. Serves as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
Maintains required certifications, reviews and replies to work emails, and follows all Vinfen administrative policies.
Performs other related duties, as required.