Lead Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Hyannis, MA

About The Position

Provides direct services in a GLE/SIE residential setting, helping Persons Served (PS) overcome barriers to and prepare for independent living. Implements PS Treatment Plan support interventions with coaching and support from the Team LPHA Clinician. Supports the Program Director by taking on assigned administrative officer roles, liaises with families as needed, helps PS obtain and understand medical and psychiatric care, and administers medications in accordance with Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements. Provides crisis intervention and physical site maintenance, and helps maintain a safe, comfortable, and clean environment. The role uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches. It includes supporting residents’ participation in daily residence operations, fostering a collaborative and welcoming environment, and helping PS develop skills and independence. The position requires driving using a Vinfen van or personal vehicle and involves physically active work, including assisting PS with activities of daily living.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license presented at employment; at least 21 years of age; valid U.S. driver's license held for at least six months; and ability to pass a driver's 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.
MAP certification required within 150 days of hire.
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; and assist PS with activities of daily living.
Ability to operate a computer and office equipment, including a calculator, copier, and printer.
Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways, and remain stationary for 50% of the time as needed.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives; required vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Strong commitment to PS rights and ability to live, work, build meaningful relationships, and receive needed resources and support in their community of choice.
Skill and competence in establishing 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.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in a human service discipline.
One year as a residential counselor in a setting serving people facing mental health challenges.
One to two years of job-specific experience in the human services field.
Bilingual/bicultural background or lived experience of psychiatric conditions; applicants with these backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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.
Complete 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 with PS.
Follow safety, maintenance, Human Rights, and other operational policies and procedures.
Assume Medication Officer, Safety Officer, or Human Rights Officer responsibilities as assigned by the Program Director, based on shift schedule and in consultation with the Residential Director.
Schedule and facilitate weekly group meetings for residents, 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 medication according to MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy; support compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols and teach PS medication management.
Create opportunities for PS to participate in residence operations, including meal preparation and physical site maintenance.
Encourage social interaction among residents and help create a collaborative environment where PS, families, friends, and others important to PS are welcomed, respected, and valued.
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, including incident documentation as needed.
Contribute to program quality improvement goals and objectives.
Help PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary and access on-call backup when needed.
Support evidence-based and best practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, WRAP, Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
Complete the residence Infection Control Inventory.
Assist the Program Director with organizing surveillance testing of staff and PS as needed.
Perform physical site maintenance according to the maintenance schedule and other related duties as assigned.