Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Marstons Mills, MA

About The Position

Provide direct services in an intensive GLE residential setting, helping Persons Served (PS) overcome barriers to independent living and prepare to live independently. Implement treatment-plan interventions assigned by the Clinical Program Director, administer medications in accordance with Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies and procedures, provide crisis interventions when needed, and help maintain a safe, comfortable, and clean residence. The role uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches. It also includes supporting PS with healthcare, employment, daily living, social connections, and participation in the operation of the residence. The position requires driving using a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. Personal-vehicle drivers must maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record. A valid driver's license must be presented at employment; incumbents must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid U.S. driver's license for at least six months, and pass a driving background check. CPR and First Aid are required within two weeks of hire, and MAP is required within 150 days of hire. This is a physically active position involving movement around the facility and assistance with tasks of daily living. It requires the ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift, and to communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives. The stated pay is $23.70 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license presented at the time of employment.
At least 21 years of age and at least six months of experience holding a valid U.S. driver's license.
Pass a driver's screening background check.
If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record, subject to annual checks.
Obtain CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
Obtain First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
Obtain MAP certification within 150 days of hire.
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.
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 PS with tasks of daily living.
Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives.
Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

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 or bicultural background.
Lived experience of psychiatric conditions.

Responsibilities

Help orient Persons Served (PS) who are new to the residence.
Implement PS Treatment Plan interventions and perform day-to-day assignments as directed by the Clinical 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 in accordance with MAP requirements, applicable regulations, and company policies; ensure compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols and teach PS medication management.
Assist or accompany PS to regular medical and psychiatric appointments.
Create opportunities for PS to participate in the operation of the residence, including meal preparation and site maintenance.
Encourage social interaction among residents and foster a collaborative, welcoming environment for PS, families, friends, and other important people in PS's lives; serve as a resource for neighbors.
Help PS prepare meals.
Advocate for PS and promote their access to healthcare and employment services.
Support evidence-based and best-practice interventions, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
Participate in training, 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.
Perform physical-site maintenance according to the maintenance schedule.
Perform other related duties as assigned.