Residential Counselor (Brain Injury)

Vinfen•Haverhill, MA

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides direct support to people with brain injuries or behavioral conditions in small group residential settings or individual living arrangements. The role works collaboratively with the people served, their families, friends, employers, and support staff to build independence skills and improve quality of life. The counselor supports community integration, social inclusion, self-advocacy, informed choice, and participation in work, volunteer, and other community opportunities. The role provides training and support with rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, activities of daily living, household management, appointments, money management, meal planning, and cooking. Duties also include implementing and documenting treatment and support plans, administering medication in accordance with MAP requirements, providing transportation, maintaining records, communicating with interested parties, and helping ensure the home is safe and compliant with applicable policies and regulations. The position may involve providing shift coverage at other homes or programs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 21 years of age.
Current, valid U.S. driver's license; the posting specifies at least six months in one section and at least one year in the driving requirements section.
Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within two weeks of employment, MAP certification within 150 days, PBS Tier 1 within 150 days, and Safety Care within 90 days.
Ability to pass CORI, reference, national fingerprinting, and driving-record checks.
Strong time-management and writing skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, communicate effectively orally and in writing, adapt communication to different individuals, and work professionally and confidentially.
Knowledge of advocacy, empowerment and self-advocacy, communication styles, participatory planning, personal and household management, and crisis intervention techniques.
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
Participatory, collaborative, and teaching skills; motivation to learn and practice new skills; and consistency in performance.
If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record.
Ability to perform physical activities including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, sitting, reaching, climbing stairs, and maneuvering through narrow spaces.
Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift and assist clients with daily living tasks.
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 abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a Human Services-related field.
Experience working with people with developmental disabilities, behavioral conditions, and/or brain injury.
One or more years of experience and/or training in a related function.
Knowledge and proven ability to promote family partnerships, social inclusion that supports individual choice, and implementation of PBS treatment programs.
May be asked to obtain CBIS certification (Certified Brain Injury Specialist).

Responsibilities

Help individuals integrate into their communities, access community resources, and develop and maintain friendships.
Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being.
Support individuals in making choices, advocating for themselves, and participating in decisions about their supports and lives.
Support access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
Help individuals secure, maintain, and grow in work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
Encourage strong partnerships among individuals, their families, staff, and other involved parties.
Provide training and support in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, safety, appointment scheduling, money management, activities of daily living, shopping, meal planning, cooking, household chores, and use of community resources.
Perform hands-on tasks needed to implement support plans.
Provide transportation as necessary.
Assess individuals' physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
Monitor individual funds as needed.
Maintain records, collect behavior and academic data, write progress notes, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities.
Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with MAP requirements, regulations, and company policy.
Communicate with the program nurse, case managers, Visiting Nurses Association, and other interested parties.
Attend mandated training and staff meetings.
Comply with regulatory standards, company policies, safe work practices, workers' compensation requirements, universal precautions, and exposure-control procedures.
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 in other homes or programs when assigned by a supervisor.
Serve as a human rights advocate and provide physical intervention or first aid in 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.