Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Kingston, MA

63d

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides direct services in a GLE/SIE residential setting, helping Persons Served (PS) overcome barriers to independent living and prepare to live independently. The role implements Treatment Plan support interventions assigned by the Team LPHA Clinician, administers medication in accordance with Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies and procedures, provides crisis intervention when needed, and helps maintain a safe, comfortable, and clean residence. The counselor works collaboratively with residents, families, neighbors, and Integrated Team members, using recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches. The position also supports daily residential operations, including meal preparation, site maintenance, documentation, staff orientation, training, supervision, and quality improvement. Driving is required, using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
A valid driver's license presented at employment; at least 21 years of age; a valid US driver's license held for at least six months; and the ability to pass a driver's screening background check.
If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
MAP certification within 150 days of hire.
Strong commitment to the rights and ability of Persons Served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive needed resources and supports in their community of choice.
Ability to establish supportive, trusting relationships with Persons Served, families, and neighbors.
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
Ability to balance competing priorities and make independent judgments and decisions.
Ability to work professionally and confidentially.
Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
Ability to perform physically active work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, reaching, sitting, and moving around the facility.
Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift.
Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
Ability to assist Persons Served with activities of daily living.
Ability to remain stationary 50% of the time as needed and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with Persons Served, staff, and external representatives.
Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in a human services discipline.
One to two years of job-specific experience in the human services field.
Bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Orient Persons Served who are new to the residence.
Collaborate with Integrated Team members to address the needs of Persons Served and implement Treatment Plan interventions as directed by the Team LPHA Clinician.
Perform day-to-day assignments as directed by the Program Director.
Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches.
Follow safety, maintenance, Human Rights, operational, and physical-site licensing policies and regulations.
Store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy; ensure compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols and teach medication management to Persons Served.
Create opportunities for Persons Served to participate in residence operations, including meal preparation and physical-site maintenance.
Help Persons Served prepare meals and participate in daily living activities.
Encourage social interaction among residents and foster a collaborative environment in which Persons Served, families, friends, and other important people are welcomed and respected; serve as a resource for neighbors.
Advocate for Persons Served.
Participate in trainings and attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
Assist with orientation of new staff.
Complete required documentation and incident documentation as needed.
Contribute to program quality-improvement goals and objectives.
Help Persons Served use crisis-intervention techniques when necessary and access on-call backup when needed.
Support evidence-based and best practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
Perform physical-site maintenance activities according to the maintenance schedule.
Perform other related duties as assigned.