Residential Counselor-IND Day

Vinfen • New Britain, CT

3d

About The Position

The IDN Counselor assists with implementing individuals’ individualized day non-vocational (IDN) goals, with an emphasis on community activities and engagement. The counselor provides support and guidance to people 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 receive 1:1 staff support and work toward specific goals during daytime hours, generally 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Counselors support individuals in achieving goals and provide emotional or behavioral support as needed. All services must be documented daily.

The primary work location is assigned, but flexibility to cover other sites may be required to meet operational, scheduling, and staffing needs. The role includes direct individual support, skills development, implementation of prescribed programs, data collection and analysis, advocacy, and upkeep of the program area.

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.
• Driving is required using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle.
• If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record, subject to annual checks.
• Present a valid driver's license at employment; 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.
• Obtain CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
• Obtain First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
• Hold MAC certification in accordance with Connecticut guidelines.
• Obtain Safety Care certification 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 and job and training opportunities, and documentation requirements.
• Persuasive, collaborative, and participative skills, as well as presentation skills.
• 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.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb; lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two-person lift; operate a computer and office equipment; sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to assist clients with activities of daily living and to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with people served on an individual basis and help them develop skills.
• Document services in CX360, Vinfen’s electronic health record, 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 data 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.
• Employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week, 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 at least 20 hours per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED