Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Marstons Mills, MA

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 treatment-plan interventions as assigned by the Team LPHA Clinician, administers medication in accordance with Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements, provides crisis interventions when needed, and helps maintain a safe, comfortable, and clean residence. The counselor uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches. The position also supports residents’ participation in daily household activities, promotes social connection and collaboration, advocates for PS, completes required documentation, and contributes to program quality improvement. The role involves physical site maintenance and may require driving a Vinfen van or personal vehicle.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong commitment to the right and ability of PS to live and work in their chosen communities, have meaningful relationships, and receive needed resources and supports.
Ability to establish 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 professionally and confidentially.
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
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 six months, 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 perform physically active work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, sitting, reaching, and maneuvering through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift.
Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living.
Ability to remain stationary for 50% of the time as needed.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives.
Visual abilities including 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.

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/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 PS.
Implement PS 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, operational, and physical-site licensing policies and requirements.
Store, administer, document, and dispose of PS medication in accordance with 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 household operations, including meal preparation and physical site maintenance.
Help PS prepare meals.
Encourage social interaction among residents and foster a collaborative environment in which PS, families, friends, and others important to PS are welcomed, respected, and valued.
Serve as a resource for neighbors and advocate for PS.
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 the program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.
Help PS use crisis intervention techniques when needed and access on-call backup when necessary.
Support evidence-based and best practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, WRAP, Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
Perform physical site maintenance according to the maintenance schedule.
Perform other related duties as assigned.