Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen • Lowell, MA

5d • $23 - $23

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides direct services in a GLE/SIE residential setting, helping Persons Served (PS) overcome barriers to and prepare for independent living. The role implements assigned Treatment Plan interventions, administers medications in accordance with Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies and procedures, provides crisis interventions when needed, and helps maintain a safe, comfortable, and clean residential environment.

The counselor uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches. The position includes supporting daily living skills, medication management, social interaction, community participation, and collaborative relationships with residents, families, neighbors, and Integrated Team members. It also involves documentation, staff orientation and training activities, compliance with operational and licensing requirements, and physical site maintenance.

Driving is required using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. The role requires a valid driver's license at employment, minimum age of 21, at least six months of valid U.S. driving-license history, and successful completion of a driver's screening background check. CPR and First Aid must be obtained within two weeks of hire, and MAP certification within 150 days of hire.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license presented at employment; at least 21 years of age; at least six months of valid U.S. driver's license history; 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.
• 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 Persons Served with tasks of daily living and remain stationary for up to 50% of the time as needed.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with Persons Served, staff, and external representatives.
• Close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.
• 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.
• Strong commitment to the right and ability of Persons Served to live and work, have meaningful relationships, and receive needed resources and supports in their community of choice.
• Skills and competence to establish supportive, trusting relationships with Persons Served, families, and neighbors.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
• Ability to balance competing priorities, make independent judgments and decisions, and work professionally and confidentially.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in a human service discipline.
• One to two years of job-specific experience in the human services field.
• Bilingual or bicultural background.
• Lived experience of psychiatric conditions.

Responsibilities

• Orient Persons Served who are new to the residence.
• Collaborate with Integrated Team members to address the needs of Persons Served.
• Implement Treatment Plan interventions as directed by the Team LPHA Clinician.
• Perform 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.
• Follow safety, maintenance, Human Rights, and other operational policies and procedures, and comply with physical-site licensing standards and regulations.
• Store, administer, document, and dispose of medications according to MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy; ensure compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols and teach medication management to Persons Served.
• Create opportunities for Persons Served to participate in residence operations, including meal preparation and site maintenance.
• Encourage social interaction and help foster a collaborative environment in which Persons Served, families, friends, and other important people are welcomed, respected, and valued; serve as a resource for neighbors.
• Help Persons Served prepare meals and act as their advocate.
• Participate in trainings and attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
• Assist with orientation of new staff.
• Complete required documentation and incident documentation as needed.
• Contribute to program quality-improvement goals and objectives.
• Help Persons Served use crisis-intervention techniques when necessary and access on-call backup when needed.
• Support evidence-based and best-practice services, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Perform physical-site maintenance according to the maintenance schedule.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan requiring no employee contribution, and an 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED