Residential Counselor

Vinfen • Windsor, CT

15h

About The Position

The Residential Counselor is responsible for overnight program activities in a community living arrangement. The role provides individual and group support to people served, teaches skills that promote independence and quality of life, and helps maintain a safe, secure, and clean residential environment.

The position supports and documents treatment and individualized plans, provides rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, and assists residents with daily living, household management, community integration, recreation, and transportation. It also involves monitoring residents’ well-being and funds, maintaining records and electronic health records, administering medications in accordance with applicable requirements, communicating with service providers and other interested parties, and supporting staff training and regulatory compliance.

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. Vinfen has 3,500 employees and operates more than 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license 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 screening background check and maintain a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
• If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance.
• CPR certification required within two weeks of hire.
• First Aid certification required within two weeks of hire.
• Safety Care certification required within two weeks 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 operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques, different communication styles, empowerment and self-advocacy techniques, participatory planning techniques, physical 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 learn and use online tools such as Microsoft Outlook and an electronic health record.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/IPs and clinical programs.
• Train and support people served through rehabilitative and behavioral interventions and monitoring, and help with safety regulations, appointments, money management, activities of daily living, shopping, meal planning and cooking, and household chores.
• Perform hands-on tasks as needed to implement support plans.
• Assist individuals with community integration and access to community-based support and resource services.
• Plan recreational and social activities, including celebrations, outings, community travel, and other activities that promote emotional well-being and quality of life.
• Provide transportation as necessary.
• Assess residents’ physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
• Monitor residents’ funds as needed.
• Maintain records, collect behavior and academic data, maintain progress notes, enter information into the electronic health record, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities in a communication log.
• Store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with MAC requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy.
• Communicate with and provide information to program nurses, funding agencies, case managers, other service providers, visiting nurses, physicians, and other interested parties.
• Participate in mandated training and staff meetings, assist with new-staff orientation, and ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory bodies.
• Maintain site safety and upkeep, including housekeeping, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and garbage removal.
• Follow corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
• Complete paperwork, logs, and online records, including communication and community membership logs, chore schedules, timesheets, and application forms.
• Ensure required staff-to-consumer ratios are maintained and provide last-minute coverage as required.
• Act as a human rights advocate; provide physical intervention and/or first aid during behavioral or medical emergencies; and serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
• Maintain required certifications, review and reply to work emails, and follow Vinfen administrative policies.
• 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