Residential Counselor

Vinfen • Windsor, CT

13d

About The Position

The Residential Counselor assists with implementing individuals’ individualized day non-vocational (IDN) goals, with an emphasis on community activities and engagement. The role provides one-to-one support and guidance to individuals in their residential homes and in the community. IDN is an alternative day service for individuals who are unable or unwilling to participate in a group setting or traditional day service. Individuals generally receive support during daytime hours, typically 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to work toward specific goals. Counselors also provide emotional and behavioral support and document services daily.

Vinfen is a nonprofit health and human services organization established in 1977. It provides community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Vinfen reports having 3,500 employees and operating at more than 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Requirements

• One year of experience or training in a related function.
• High school diploma or equivalent; in some cases, experience may substitute for academic training.
• Valid driver’s license presented at employment; must be at least 21 years old and have held a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least six months.
• Must pass a driver screening background check and maintain a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
• If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance.
• CPR certification required within two weeks of hire.
• First Aid certification required within two weeks of hire.
• MAC certification required, following Connecticut guidelines.
• Safety Care certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques, applied behavioral analysis with special-needs populations, advocacy techniques, communication styles, formal and informal assessment practices, personal management skills, independent living management skills, crisis intervention techniques, community resources, job and training opportunities, and documentation requirements.
• Persuasive, collaborative, and participative skills; presentation skills; and sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team and to provide a positive role model.

Responsibilities

• Work individually with people served and help them develop skills.
• Document services in CX360, including checking individuals in and out of IDN services and completing daily notes on progress toward established, measurable goals.
• Implement prescribed clinical, educational, and behavioral programs.
• Collect and quantify data, transfer it to the daily chart, and conduct bi-monthly data analysis.
• Maintain the physical upkeep of the program area and ensure equipment is used, cleaned, and stored properly.
• Advocate for people served in all areas.
• Complete required direct-care training.
• 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.
• Flexible spending reimbursement accounts for health and dependent care.
• Voluntary term life, whole life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Generous 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