Residential Counselor (Brain Injury)

Vinfen • Freetown, MA

5d

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides individual and group support to people with brain injuries who live in a residential program. The role teaches and supports skills that promote independence, self-advocacy, meaningful choices, and quality of life, while maintaining a safe, secure, and clean home. The counselor assists residents to participate in their communities, build and maintain friendships, and strengthen family partnerships. The primary work location is assigned, but coverage at other sites may be required to meet operational, scheduling, and staffing needs.

The position supports residents with community access, social and recreational activities, work and volunteer opportunities, assistive technology, and adaptive equipment. It provides training and assistance with rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, activities of daily living, household management, appointments, money management, shopping, meal planning, cooking, and use of community resources. The counselor may provide transportation and hands-on support, maintain records and progress documentation, monitor funds, and manage medications in accordance with applicable requirements and company policy. The role also communicates with families, nurses, case managers, and other involved parties; participates in mandated training and meetings; helps develop and document treatment and support plans; and maintains home safety and cleanliness.

This is a physically active position requiring assistance with daily living tasks and the ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, and lift at least 25 pounds or use a two-person lift. A valid driver's license and driving are required. CPR and First Aid must be obtained within two weeks of hire; MAP and PBS Tier 1 within 150 days; and Safety Care within 90 days. The employee may be asked to obtain CBIS certification.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One or more years of experience and/or training in a related function is encouraged.
• 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.
• Driving is required using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. Personal vehicle use requires 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 vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and the 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.
• PBS Tier 1 certification required within 150 days of hire.
• Safety Care certification required within 90 days of hire.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy, empowerment, self-advocacy, and participatory planning techniques.
• Knowledge of communication styles, 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 professionally and confidentially.
• Motivation to learn and practice new skills, with consistency in performance.

Nice To Haves

• May be asked to obtain CBIS certification (Certified Brain Injury Specialist).
• Knowledge and proven ability to promote family partnerships.
• Knowledge and proven ability to promote social inclusion in ways that support individual choices.
• Knowledge and proven ability to implement PBS treatment programs.

Responsibilities

• Help residents become integrated into their communities, access community resources, and develop and maintain friendships.
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote inclusion and emotional well-being.
• Support residents' choices, self-advocacy, decision-making, independence, and personal visions for a meaningful life.
• Support access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
• Assist residents in securing, maintaining, and growing work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Encourage strong partnerships between residents, their families, staff, and other involved parties.
• Provide training and support in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, fire and safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, activities of daily living, shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores, and use of community resources.
• Perform hands-on tasks required to implement support plans and provide transportation as necessary.
• Assess residents' physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
• Monitor individual funds as needed.
• Maintain resident records, collect behavioral and academic data, keep 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 program nurses, case managers, the Visiting Nurses Association, and other interested parties.
• Attend mandated training and staff meetings and comply with regulatory standards and company policies.
• Maintain home safety and upkeep, including housekeeping, snow shoveling, and trash removal.
• Complete required paperwork and logs, including communication logs, community membership logs, and activity schedules.
• Provide shift coverage at other homes or programs when assigned.
• Serve as a human rights advocate and provide physical intervention or First Aid during behavioral or medical emergencies; report to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission as required.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan requiring no employee contribution, plus 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.
• Health and dependent care flexible spending reimbursement accounts.
• 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