Residential Counselor

Vinfen•Windsor, CT

About The Position

A Residential Counselor provides direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. Counselors work with the people served, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to build independence skills and improve each person’s quality of life. The role includes administering medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAC), implementing treatment plans, and assisting with activities of daily living such as household chores and cooking. Counselors also support residents’ community connections by providing transportation for outings, shopping, and medical appointments. The position supports residents’ treatment plans, daily living skills, emotional well-being, and community participation. It requires maintaining records and electronic health records, communicating with relevant parties, participating in required training and meetings, and helping maintain program safety and staffing ratios. The job also involves physically active work, including assisting clients with daily living tasks and maintaining residential sites. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. At least one year of related experience and/or training is preferred. A valid driver’s license and driving screening are required; incumbents must be at least 21 years old and have held a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least six months. CPR, First Aid, and Safety Care certifications are required within two weeks of hire.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
A valid driver’s license must be 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.
If using a personal vehicle, must maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record, subject to annual checks.
Must obtain CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
Must obtain First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
Must obtain Safety Care certification within two weeks of hire.
Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb.
Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift.
Must be able to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
Must be able to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Must be able to assist clients with activities of daily living.
Must be able to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
Must have close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision and be able to adjust focus.
Knowledge of advocacy techniques, communication styles, empowerment and self-advocacy, participatory planning, physical personal management, household management, 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 learn and use online tools such as Microsoft Outlook and an electronic health record.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience and/or training in a related function.

Responsibilities

Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/IPs and clinical programs.
Provide training and support in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, fire and safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, activities of daily living, grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores, and related areas.
Perform hands-on tasks in the program as needed to implement support plans.
Assist individuals with community integration, community-based support, and access to resources.
Plan recreational and social activities to support emotional well-being and quality of life, including celebrations, outings, community travel, church activities, decorating, and shopping.
Provide transportation as necessary.
Assess residents’ physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
Monitor residents’ funds as needed.
Maintain records, collect behavior and academic data, maintain progress notes, enter information into the electronic health record, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities in communication logs.
Store, administer, document, and dispose of medication according to MAC requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy.
Communicate with the program nurse, funding agency, case managers, other service providers, Visiting Nurses Association nurses, physicians, and other interested parties.
Participate in mandated training and staff meetings and assist with new staff orientation.
Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory requirements.
Maintain program site safety and upkeep, including housekeeping, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and garbage removal.
Follow corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
Complete paperwork, logs, and online records, including communication logs, community membership logs, chore schedules, timesheets, and application forms.
Maintain required staff-to-consumer ratios and provide last-minute coverage as required.
Serve as a human rights advocate and provide physical intervention and/or first aid during behavioral or medical emergencies.
Report to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission as required.
Maintain required certifications, review and respond to work emails, and follow administrative policies.
Perform other related duties as required.