Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Vinfen•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides individual and group support to people with developmental disabilities in a residential program. The role teaches and supports skills that promote independence, self-advocacy, community participation, and quality of life, while helping maintain a safe, secure, and clean home environment. The counselor supports individuals in making choices, developing friendships, strengthening family partnerships, and participating fully in their communities. The position includes training and support in daily living and household tasks; coordinating recreational, social, work, volunteer, and community engagement opportunities; supporting access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment; and implementing individual support and treatment plans. The counselor monitors individuals’ physical and emotional status, maintains records and required documentation, supports medication processes consistent with applicable requirements and policy, communicates with involved professionals and interested parties, and provides transportation as necessary. The role also includes safety and maintenance tasks, participation in required training and meetings, shift coverage as assigned, and responding to emergencies, including physical intervention or First Aid when needed. Vinfen is a nonprofit health and human services organization established in 1977. It provides community-based services in Massachusetts and Connecticut and employs 3,500 people across more than 550 sites.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required; in some cases, experience may substitute for academic training.
Candidates with one or more years of experience and/or training in a related function are encouraged to apply.
A valid driver's license must be presented at employment.
Must be at least 21 years of age and have held a valid US driver's license for at least six months.
Must pass a driver's screening background check.
If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record, subject to annual checks.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift.
Ability to assist clients with activities of daily living.
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 close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Knowledge and use of advocacy, empowerment, self-advocacy, and participatory planning techniques.
Knowledge of communication styles, physical personal management skills, household management skills, and crisis intervention techniques.
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
Participatory, collaborative, and teaching skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to adapt communication to a variety of individuals and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
High motivation to learn and practice new skills, and consistency in performance.
CPR certification is required within two weeks of hire.
First Aid certification is required within two weeks of hire.
MAP certification is required within 150 days of hire.
PBS Tier 1 certification is required within 150 days of hire.
Safety Care certification is required within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

Assist individuals in becoming integrated into their communities, accessing community-based support and resources, and developing and maintaining friendships.
Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being while respecting individual choices.
Empower 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, maintaining, and growing work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
Encourage individuals and their families to maintain strong partnerships with staff and other involved parties.
Provide training and support in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, safety, appointment scheduling, money management, activities of daily living, shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores, and use of community resources.
Perform hands-on tasks as needed to implement support plans.
Provide transportation as necessary.
Assess individuals’ physical and emotional status and report changes to the supervisor.
Monitor individual funds as needed.
Maintain individual records, collect behavior and academic data, maintain progress notes, and document 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 involved parties, including program nurses, case managers, and visiting nurses.
Participate in mandated training and staff meetings as directed by the supervisor.
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 by the supervisor.
Function 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.
Assist with developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
Perform other related duties as required.