Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen • Boston, MA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides direct services in a GLE/SIE residential setting, helping Persons Served (PS) overcome barriers to independent living. The role implements treatment plan interventions as assigned by the Team LPHA Clinician, administers medication under Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies and procedures, provides crisis interventions when needed, and helps maintain a safe, comfortable, and clean residence.

The counselor uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches. They support residents’ participation in daily residential life, encourage social connection, advocate for PS, collaborate with team members, and complete required documentation and site-maintenance duties. The role also involves driving using a Vinfen van or personal vehicle and assisting PS with tasks of daily living.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license presented at employment; at least 21 years of age; at least six months of holding a valid U.S. driver's license; 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 stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two-person lift, sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living and remain stationary for up to 50% of the time as needed.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives.
• Required close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and 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.
• Strong commitment to PS rights and ability to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive needed resources and supports in their community of choice.
• 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, make independent judgments and decisions, work professionally and confidentially, and use personal computer applications and equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s 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 (PS) who are new to the residence.
• Collaborate with Integrated Team members to address PS needs 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, licensing, and regulatory policies and procedures.
• Store, administer, document, and dispose of PS medications according to MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy; ensure compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols and teach PS medication management.
• Create opportunities for PS to participate in operating the residence, including meal preparation and physical site maintenance.
• Encourage social interaction among residents and foster a collaborative environment that welcomes and values PS, families, friends, and others important in their lives; serve as a resource for neighbors.
• Help PS prepare meals and 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 the program’s 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.

Benefits

• Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan with no employee contribution required.
• 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 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 at least 20 hours per week.

What This Job Offers

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