Lead Residential Counselor (Developmental Services)

Vinfen•Watertown, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Residential Counselor provides direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. The role works with the people served, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to build independence and improve quality of life. Support includes medication administration under the Medication Administration Plan (MAP), implementing treatment plans, helping with activities of daily living, and providing transportation to community activities and appointments. The position also serves as designated lead staff for shift management and clinical programming. It provides administrative support to the Program Director, which may include coordinating shift assignments, training new staff, and assisting with clinical paperwork. The counselor helps people make choices, participate in decisions, build community connections, and pursue employment, volunteer, and other engagement opportunities while maintaining records and ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One to two years of experience or training in a related function.
Valid driver's license presented at employment; must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid U.S. driver's license for at least one year, 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 work collaboratively with coworkers, management, and other stakeholders, and independently as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to multitask in a time-sensitive environment, stay organized, exercise good judgment, and solve problems and make decisions in stressful situations.
Ability to adapt communication to different individuals and styles, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and work professionally and confidentially.
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
Participatory, collaborative, and teaching skills; motivation to learn and practice new skills; consistency in performance.
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.
Safety Care certification required within 90 days of hire.
Positive Behavioral Supports Tier II required before hire.
NET required.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, sit, reach, maneuver through narrow spaces, and remain stationary for up to 50% of the time as needed.
Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift, assist clients with daily living tasks, and perform routine residential activities such as cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.
Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives; required vision includes close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Knowledge of advocacy, empowerment, and self-advocacy techniques.
Proven ability to promote family partnerships and social inclusion in ways that support individual choices.
Knowledge and proven ability to implement Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) treatment programs.
Knowledge of administrative practices and personal computer applications and equipment.
Knowledge of participatory planning techniques, required physical personal management skills, household management skills, and crisis intervention techniques.

Responsibilities

Help individuals become integrated into their communities, access community-based resources, and develop and maintain friendships.
Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being.
Support individuals to make choices, self-advocate, and participate in decisions about their supports and lives.
Support access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment to improve communication, community access, and independence.
Help individuals secure, maintain, and grow employment, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
Encourage individuals and their families to maintain strong partnerships with staff and other interested parties.
Provide administrative support to the Program Director, including scheduling shift assignments, training new staff, and assisting with clinical paperwork.
Serve as designated lead staff for shift management and clinical programming.
Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
Train and support individuals in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, fire and safety, appointment scheduling, money management, activities of daily living, shopping, meal planning, cooking, household chores, and use of community resources.
Perform hands-on tasks needed to implement support plans.
Provide transportation as necessary.
Assess individuals' physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
Monitor individual funds as needed.
Maintain individual records, collect behavior and academic data, keep progress notes, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities.
Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medications in accordance with MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy.
Communicate with interested parties, including program nurses, case managers, and Visiting Nurses Association staff.
Attend 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 as assigned and help maintain required staff-to-individual ratios.
Act as a human rights advocate, provide physical intervention and/or first aid during behavioral or medical emergencies, and serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission.
Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

Fully funded, employer-sponsored retirement plan with no employee contribution required.
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, with the option to purchase additional voluntary coverage.
Flexible spending reimbursement accounts for health and dependent care.
Voluntary term life, whole life, accident, and critical care insurance.
Paid time off for employees scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week: 15 vacation days, 11 paid holidays, 10 sick days, and 3 personal days per year.
Educational assistance and remission programs.
$500 employee referral bonus with no annual cap.
Discounted YMCA memberships and access to discounted movie tickets.