Residential Counselor (Brain Injury)

Vinfen • Freetown, MA

1d

About The Position

Provides individual and group support to people diagnosed with brain injury who live in a residential program. The Residential Counselor teaches skills that support independence, self-advocacy, and quality of life; promotes choice, community participation, social inclusion, friendships, and family partnerships; and helps maintain a safe, secure, and clean home. The primary work location is assigned, but coverage at other sites may be required to meet operational, scheduling, and staffing needs.

The position supports residents with daily living, rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, community resources and activities, work and volunteer opportunities, assistive technology, and adaptive equipment. Duties also include transportation, monitoring resident wellbeing and funds, maintaining records and progress documentation, medication management in accordance with applicable requirements, communication with involved professionals, and participation in training and staff meetings. The counselor helps implement and document treatment plans and clinical programs, maintains home safety and cleanliness, and may provide physical intervention or First Aid during emergencies.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One or more years of experience and/or training in a related function is encouraged.
• A valid driver's license must be presented at employment; 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; if using a personal vehicle, must maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
• 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 operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to assist clients with activities of daily living.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• 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.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy, empowerment, self-advocacy, and participatory planning techniques.
• Knowledge of communication styles, personal management skills, household management skills, 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 and communicate with a variety of people using different 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 certification (Certified Brain Injury Specialist).
• Knowledge and proven ability to promote family partnerships.
• Knowledge and proven ability to promote social inclusion in a way that supports individual choices.
• Knowledge and proven ability to implement PBS treatment programs.

Responsibilities

• Help residents integrate into their communities, access community-based resources, and develop and maintain friendships.
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional wellbeing while supporting residents’ choices.
• Support residents in making choices, advocating for themselves, and participating in decisions about their supports and lives.
• Help residents access assistive technology and adaptive equipment to support communication, community access, and independent living.
• Support residents in securing and maintaining work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Encourage residents and their families to maintain strong partnerships with staff and other interested parties.
• Train and support residents in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, fire and safety practices, 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 required 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 resident 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 and provide information to interested parties, including program nurses, case managers, and the Visiting Nurses Association.
• Attend mandated training and staff meetings as directed by a supervisor.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory policies, procedures, and standards.
• Maintain home safety and upkeep, including general housekeeping, snow shoveling, and trash removal.
• Follow corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
• Complete 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.
• Act as a human rights advocate, provide physical intervention and/or First Aid during behavior or medical emergencies, and serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
• Assist in 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 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 eligible 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