Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Vinfen • Boston, MA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

Provide individual and group support to people served in a residential program, teaching skills that promote independence, self-advocacy, and quality of life. Help individuals make choices and participate in decisions about their supports and lives, become integrated into their communities, develop and maintain friendships, and strengthen family partnerships. Maintain a safe, secure, and clean residential environment. A primary work location will be assigned, but coverage at other sites may be required to meet operational, scheduling, and staffing needs.

The role includes training and supporting residents in areas such as rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, safety, daily living skills, money management, meal planning and cooking, household chores, use of community resources, and appointment scheduling. Counselors document supports and progress, monitor individual funds and well-being, administer medications in accordance with applicable requirements and policies, communicate with relevant parties, and participate in required training and meetings. The position may involve transportation, shift coverage at other programs, hands-on support, and physical intervention or first aid during emergencies.

Vinfen is a nonprofit health and human services organization established in 1977. It provides community-based services to people with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Its 3,500 employees serve people at more than 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Requirements

• One or more years of experience and/or training in a related function is encouraged.
• High school diploma or equivalent; in some cases, experience may substitute for academic training.
• A valid driver’s license must be presented at employment. Must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least six months, and pass a driver-screening background check.
• If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record, subject to annual checks.
• 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, and to assist clients with activities of daily living.
• 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, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Knowledge of advocacy, communication styles, empowerment and self-advocacy, participatory planning, personal and 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, adapt communication to different individuals, work professionally and confidentially, learn and practice new skills, perform consistently, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and proven ability to promote family partnerships.
• Knowledge and proven ability to promote social inclusion in ways that support individual choices.
• Knowledge and proven ability to implement PBS treatment programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals 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 while supporting residents’ choices.
• Support individuals in making choices, advocating for themselves, participating in decisions, and directing their supports and lives.
• Help residents access assistive technology and adaptive equipment to support communication, community access, and independence.
• Support individuals in obtaining and maintaining work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Encourage strong partnerships among individuals, their 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 as needed to implement support plans and provide transportation when necessary.
• Assess residents’ physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
• Monitor individual funds as needed.
• Maintain individual records, collect behavior and academic data, keep progress notes, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities in communication logs.
• Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy.
• Communicate and share information with relevant parties, including program nurses, case managers, and visiting nurses.
• Attend mandated training and staff meetings as directed by the supervisor.
• Comply with internal and external regulatory policies, procedures, and standards, as well as corporate and divisional policies and safe-work practices.
• 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 at other homes or programs when assigned by a supervisor.
• Function as a human rights advocate, provide physical intervention or first aid in emergencies, and serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission.
• 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, plus an employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more, 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 20 hours or more per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED