Residential Counselor (Brain Injury)

Vinfen • Haverhill, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Provides individual and group support to people with brain injuries in a residential program. The Residential Counselor teaches skills that promote independence, self-advocacy, and quality of life; supports people in making choices and directing their services; and helps them participate fully in their communities, develop and maintain friendships, and strengthen family partnerships. The role also ensures a safe, secure, and clean residential environment.

The position involves providing training and support in areas including rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, activities of daily living, household management, community resources, and other skills. It includes supporting community participation and employment or volunteer opportunities, maintaining records and progress notes, handling medications in accordance with applicable requirements, communicating with families and other professionals, and assisting with treatment planning. The counselor may provide transportation, physical intervention, and First Aid as needed.

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; applicants must be at least 21, have held a valid U.S. driver's license for at least six months, and pass a driving background screening.
• 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.
• Ability 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 abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy, empowerment, self-advocacy, participatory planning, crisis intervention, personal management, and household management 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 communication to a variety of individuals and 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 (Certified Brain Injury Specialist) certification.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in the home to participate fully in their communities, access community resources, and develop and maintain friendships.
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote inclusion and emotional well-being.
• Support individuals in making choices, practicing self-advocacy, 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 and support strong partnerships among individuals, their families, staff, and other interested parties.
• Provide training and support in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, safety, appointments, 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.
• Provide transportation as necessary.
• Assess individuals' physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
• Monitor individual funds as needed.
• Maintain individual records, collect behavior and academic data, write progress notes, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities.
• Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medications according to MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy.
• Communicate with interested parties, including program nurses, case managers, and the Visiting Nurses Association.
• Participate in mandated training and staff meetings.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory policies, procedures, and standards.
• Maintain home safety and upkeep, including 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 at other homes or programs as assigned by a supervisor.
• Function as a human rights advocate, provide physical intervention and/or First Aid during emergencies, and report 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 with no employee contribution required, plus an employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 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 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 20 hours or more per week.

What This Job Offers

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