Lead Residential Counselor (Brain Injury)

Vinfen • Merrimac, MA

1d

About The Position

The Lead Residential Counselor BID supports management in maintaining a high-quality service environment and serves as shift lead to ensure supports are delivered as designed. The role provides individual and group support to people in their homes, teaches skills that enhance independence and self-advocacy, and supports choices that contribute to a good and meaningful life. The Lead Residential Counselor helps maintain a safe, secure, and clean home environment and supports people to participate fully in their communities, develop and maintain friendships, and strengthen family partnerships.

The position provides administrative and shift-management support to the Program Director, including scheduling staff assignments, training new staff, and helping oversee clinical paperwork. It assists with developing, implementing, and documenting treatment plans and clinical programs; provides rehabilitative and behavioral support; and helps people with daily living activities, community participation, and independence. The role also maintains records and documentation, supports medication administration in accordance with applicable requirements, communicates with involved parties, and helps ensure regulatory compliance and adequate shift coverage.

The position requires one to two years of experience or training in a related function. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Driving is required, using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. Required certifications include CPR and First Aid within two weeks of hire, Safety Care within 90 days, MAP within 150 days, and NET. Positive Behavioral Supports Tier II is required before hire. The employee may be asked to obtain CBIS certification. The posted pay range is $23.32 per hour.

Requirements

• One to two years of experience or training in a related function.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license presented at employment; at least 21 years of age; a valid U.S. driver’s license held for at least six months; and ability to pass a driver screening background check.
• If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
• CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
• First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
• MAP certification within 150 days of hire.
• Safety Care certification within 90 days of hire.
• Positive Behavioral Supports Tier II certification prior to hire.
• NET certification.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb; lift at least 25 pounds using proper technique or a two-person lift; and assist clients with daily living tasks.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as 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 clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Knowledge of administrative practices and personal computer applications and equipment.
• Ability to collaborate with coworkers, management, and other stakeholders; multitask in a time-sensitive environment; and work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Organizational skills, good judgment, and ability to problem-solve and make decisions in stressful situations.
• Ability to adapt communication styles for different individuals and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
• Participatory, collaborative, and teaching skills; ability to work professionally and confidentially; motivation to learn and practice new skills; and consistency in performance.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy, empowerment, self-advocacy, family partnership, social inclusion, participatory planning, physical personal management, household management, and crisis intervention techniques.
• Knowledge and proven ability to implement Positive Behavioral Supports treatment programs.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• May be asked to obtain Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) certification.

Responsibilities

• Help individuals become integrated into their communities, develop and maintain friendships, and access community-based supports and resources.
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being.
• Support individuals to make choices, advocate for themselves, and participate in decisions about their supports and lives.
• Support access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment to improve communication, community access, and independence.
• Support individuals in securing and maintaining work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Encourage individuals and their families to maintain strong partnerships with staff and other involved parties.
• Provide administrative support to the Program Director, including staff assignment scheduling, new staff training, and assistance overseeing clinical paperwork.
• Lead shift management and clinical programming.
• Assist with developing, implementing, and documenting treatment plans, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
• Train and support individuals in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, safety practices, appointment scheduling, money management, activities of daily living, shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores, and use of generic resources.
• Perform hands-on tasks as needed to implement support plans and provide transportation when necessary.
• Assess individuals’ physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
• Monitor individual funds as needed and maintain records, behavior and academic data, progress notes, communication logs, and documentation related to incidents, programs, and routine activities.
• Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy.
• Communicate with and provide information to interested parties, including program nurses, case managers, and Visiting Nurses Association representatives.
• Participate in mandated training and staff meetings and assist with new staff orientation.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory policies, procedures, and standards.
• Maintain home safety and upkeep, including housekeeping, snow shoveling, and trash removal.
• Follow corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
• Complete required paperwork and logs, including communication logs, community membership logs, and activity schedules.
• Provide shift coverage in other homes or programs when assigned and help ensure required staff-to-individual ratios are maintained.
• Assist the Program Director in securing shift coverage when necessary.
• Serve as a human rights advocate and provide physical intervention or First Aid during behavioral or medical emergencies.
• Serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan requiring no employee contribution.
• Employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more, with an employer contribution toward medical insurance.
• Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance for qualifying employees.
• Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts for health and dependent care.
• Voluntary term life, whole life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Paid time off for employees scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED