Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Vinfen•Billerica, MA

4d•$21 - $21

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in small group residential settings or individual living arrangements. The role works with the people served, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to build independence and improve quality of life. Duties include medication administration under the Medication Administration Plan (MAP), implementing treatment plans, supporting activities of daily living, and providing transportation for community activities and appointments. The position supports residents’ choice, self-advocacy, community integration, social connections, employment and volunteer participation, and access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment. Counselors provide training and support in areas such as behavioral and rehabilitative interventions, personal and household management, money management, meal planning, cooking, and use of community resources. They maintain records and documentation, monitor residents’ well-being and funds as needed, communicate with involved parties, and help ensure regulatory compliance and a safe, well-maintained home. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and meeting the stated driving and physical requirements. CPR and First Aid are required within two weeks of hire; MAP and PBS Tier 1 within 150 days; and Safety Care within 90 days. Candidates with one or more years of related experience and/or training are preferred. The stated pay is $21.27 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; in some cases, experience may substitute for academic training.
A valid U.S. 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 one year.
Must pass a driver screening background check and maintain a safe driving record; adequate insurance is required when using a personal vehicle.
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 and routine living activities, including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.
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 includes close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, communicate effectively orally and in writing, adapt communication styles to different people, and work professionally and confidentially.
Knowledge and use of advocacy, empowerment, self-advocacy, participatory planning, crisis intervention, personal management, and household management techniques.
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues; collaborative, participatory, and teaching skills; motivation to learn and practice new skills; and consistency in performance.
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.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred.
Knowledge and proven ability to promote family partnerships, social inclusion that supports individual choices, and implementation of PBS treatment programs.

Responsibilities

Assist residents with community integration, developing and maintaining friendships, and accessing community-based support and resources.
Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being.
Support residents’ choices, self-advocacy, independence, and participation in decisions about their supports and lives.
Support access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
Support residents in obtaining, maintaining, and growing work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
Encourage and support strong partnerships among residents, families, staff, and other interested parties.
Provide training and support in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, safety, 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 records, collect behavior and academic data, keep progress notes, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities.
Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication according to MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy.
Communicate and share information with involved parties, including program nurses, case managers, and visiting nurses.
Attend mandated training and staff meetings and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements 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 in other homes or programs as assigned by a supervisor.
Serve as a human rights advocate and reporter to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission; provide physical intervention and/or first aid during behavioral or medical emergencies.
Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
Perform other related duties as required.