Residential Counselor

Vinfen•Manchester, CT

3d•$21 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

A Residential Counselor for Behavioral Health will provide direct support to people with behavioral conditions as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. This role works with individuals, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to transform lives by building independence skills or increasing each person's quality of life. Responsibilities include administering medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAC), implementing treatment plans, and assisting people with activities of daily living, such as household chores and cooking. The counselor also strengthens residents' connection to their community by providing transportation on outings such as shopping and doctor's appointments.

Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
One to three years' job-specific experience in human services field.
A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.
Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age.
Have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least 6 months.
Must have access to an insured, reliable personal vehicle.
CPR required within two weeks of hire.
First Aid required within two weeks of hire.
Safety Care required within 60 days of hire.
Must be able to successfully pass a CORI, SORI, reference, employment verification, multi-state background and driving record check.
Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques.
Knowledge and use of different communication styles.
Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques.
Knowledge of participatory planning techniques.
Knowledge of required physical personal management skills.
Knowledge of required household management skills.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
Participatory skills, collaborative skills, 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.
A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.
Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age.
Have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least one year.
Must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb.
Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.
CPR required within two weeks of hire.
First Aid required within two weeks of hire.
MAC follows CT guidelines.
Safety Care required within two weeks of hire.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in human services or related preferred.
At least one year of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/IPs and clinical programs.
Provides training and support to persons served, including rehabilitative interventions, behavioral interventions and monitoring, fire & safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, ADLs, grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores and other related areas.
Performs hands-on tasks in the program as required to facilitate implementation of support plans.
Assists individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities.
Assists residents with community-based support and resource services.
Plans recreational and social activities to promote the emotional well-being of persons served and improve quality of life, including holiday and birthday parties, celebrations, outings, community travel, church activities, decorating, shopping and other related activities.
Provides transportation, as necessary.
Assesses residents’ physical and emotional status, and report changes to supervisor.
Monitors residents’ funds, as needed.
Maintains records for persons served, collects behavior and academic data, and maintains progress notes.
Enters information into electronic health record.
Documents all information related to incidents, programs and routine activities in a communication log.
Stores, administers, documents and disposes of medication for persons served consistent with MAC requirements, funding source regulations and Company policy.
Communicates with and provides information to interested parties such as program nurse, funding agency, case managers, other service providers, Visiting Nurses Association nurses, and physicians.
Participates in all mandated training and staff meetings as directed by manager.
Assists with the orientation of new staff.
Ensures compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies.
Ensures program site safety and maintenance as necessary at all times, including general housekeeping, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and garbage removal.
Complies with all corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions and exposure control.
Completes various paperwork and logs and online data records including communication logs, community membership logs, chore schedules, timesheets, and application forms.
Ensures required staff to consumer ratio is maintained at all times.
Must perform last minute coverage, as required.
Functions as human rights advocate.
Provides physical intervention and/or first aid in the event of behavior or medical emergency.
Serves as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
Maintains required certifications, reviews and replies to work emails, and follows all Vinfen administrative policies.
Performs other related duties, as required.

Benefits

A fully funded, employer-sponsored retirement plan that requires no employee contribution as well as an employee-funded 403(b) plan.
First-rate Medical, Dental and Vision plans that are open all employees scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more.
Employer-paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
Employer-paid Short-Term Disability Insurance along with the option to purchase additional, voluntary, Short-Term disability insurance.
Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (Health and Dependent care).
Voluntary Term, Whole Life, Accident and Critical Care Insurance.
15 days of Vacation per year.
11 Paid Holidays.
10 Sick Days per year.
3 Personal Days per year.
Educational Assistance and Remission Programs.
$500 Employee Referral Bonus with no annual cap!
Discounted YMCA memberships.
Access to discounted movie tickets.