Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Haverhill, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Provide direct services in a GLE/SIE residential setting, helping Persons Served (PS) overcome barriers to independent living and prepare to live independently. Implement assigned PS Treatment Plan interventions under the direction of the Team LPHA Clinician, administer medications in accordance with Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements, provide crisis interventions as needed, and help maintain a safe, comfortable, and clean residence. The Residential Counselor uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches. The role includes supporting residents’ daily living skills and participation in residential life; collaborating with the integrated team, families, neighbors, and others important to PS; maintaining documentation and regulatory compliance; and participating in staff training, supervision, and meetings. The position also involves physical site maintenance and driving with either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. An associate degree in a human service discipline and one to two years of job-specific human services experience are preferred. CPR and First Aid are required within two weeks of hire, and MAP certification is required within 150 days of hire. The stated pay range is $22.00 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong commitment to the rights and ability of PS to live and work in their communities of choice, maintain meaningful relationships, and receive needed resources and supports.
Ability to establish supportive, trusting relationships with PS, 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.
Valid driver's license presented at employment; at least 21 years of age; at least six months of valid U.S. driving-license history; and 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.
Ability to perform physically active work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, sitting, reaching, and maneuvering through narrow spaces or hallways; lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two-person lift; assist PS with activities of daily living; operate a computer and office equipment; communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives; and meet the specified vision requirements.
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.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in a human service 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

Help orient Persons Served who are new to the residence.
Collaborate with Integrated Team members as needed to address the needs of PS 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 with PS.
Follow safety, maintenance, Human Rights, operational, and site licensing policies and requirements.
Store, administer, document, and dispose of PS medication according to MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy; support program compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols and teach PS medication management.
Create opportunities for PS to participate in residence operations, including meal preparation and physical site maintenance.
Help PS prepare meals and participate in daily living activities.
Encourage social interaction among residents and foster a collaborative environment where PS, family, friends, and others important to PS are welcomed, respected, and valued; serve as a resource for neighbors.
Act as an advocate for PS.
Participate in trainings and attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
Assist with orienting new staff.
Complete required documentation and incident documentation as needed.
Contribute to program quality improvement goals and objectives.
Help PS 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.
Drive using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle; maintain required personal vehicle insurance and a safe driving record when using a personal vehicle.