Residential Counselor (Brain Injury)

Vinfen • Taunton, MA

1d

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides individual and group support to people with brain injuries in a residential program. The role teaches skills that promote independence, self-advocacy, and quality of life; supports individuals in making choices and directing their services; and helps them participate fully in their communities, develop and maintain friendships, and strengthen family partnerships. The counselor also helps ensure that the residence is safe, secure, and clean.

The position includes training and supporting residents in areas such as rehabilitation, behavioral interventions, daily living skills, household management, community access, and use of assistive technology. The counselor maintains records and progress documentation, supports medication processes in accordance with applicable requirements and company policy, communicates with relevant professionals and interested parties, and assists with treatment planning and implementation. The role may include transportation, shift coverage in other programs, physical intervention or First Aid during emergencies, and household maintenance. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Candidates with one or more years of related experience and/or training are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One or more years of experience and/or training in a related function is encouraged.
• Valid driver's license presented at hire; 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's screening background check and maintain a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
• If using a personal vehicle, must maintain adequate insurance.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment, including a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Visual abilities including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Knowledge of advocacy, empowerment, self-advocacy, participatory planning, 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 adapt communication to a variety of individuals and communication styles.
• Ability to work professionally and confidentially.
• Motivation to learn and practice new skills, consistency in performance, and effective oral and written communication.

Nice To Haves

• May be asked to obtain CBIS (Certified Brain Injury Specialist) certification.

Responsibilities

• Support residents in becoming integrated into their communities, developing and maintaining friendships, and accessing community-based resources.
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being.
• Support residents in making choices, advocating for themselves, and participating in decisions about their supports and lives.
• Support access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment to aid communication, community access, and independence.
• Support residents in pursuing and maintaining employment, volunteer work, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Encourage and support strong partnerships among residents, their families, staff, and other interested parties.
• Provide training and support in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, fire and safety, appointments, money management, activities of daily living, shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores, and use of community resources.
• Perform hands-on tasks as needed to implement support plans.
• Provide transportation as necessary.
• Assess residents’ physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
• Monitor individual funds as needed.
• Maintain individual records, behavior and academic data, progress notes, incident documentation, and communication logs.
• Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy.
• Communicate with relevant parties, including the program nurse, case managers, and Visiting Nurses Association.
• Attend mandated training and staff meetings as directed by the supervisor.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Maintain home safety and upkeep, including housekeeping, snow shoveling, and trash removal.
• Follow corporate and divisional policies, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
• Complete required paperwork and logs, including community membership logs and activity schedules.
• Provide shift coverage in other homes or programs as assigned by a supervisor.
• Act 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.
• Assist with developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
• 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