Residential Counselor

Vinfen • Windsor Locks, CT

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Counselor is responsible for overnight program activities in a community living arrangement. The role provides individual and group support to persons served, teaches skills that enhance independence and quality of life, and helps maintain a safe, secure, and clean residential environment. The counselor supports treatment and service plans, daily living skills, community participation, health and safety, medication procedures, documentation, and coordination with families and service providers. The position also requires transportation and maintaining the required staff-to-consumer ratio, including last-minute coverage as needed.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.
• Must be at least 21 years old and have held a valid U.S. driver's license for at least six months.
• Must pass a driver's screening background check.
• If using a personal vehicle, must maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record, subject to annual checks.
• CPR certification is required within two weeks of hire.
• First Aid certification is required within two weeks of hire.
• MAC follows Connecticut guidelines.
• Safety Care certification is required within two weeks of hire.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb.
• 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 sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to assist clients with activities of daily living.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques, different communication styles, empowerment and self-advocacy techniques, participatory planning techniques, physical personal management skills, household management skills, and crisis intervention 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 learn and use online tools such as Microsoft Outlook and an electronic health record.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/IPs and clinical programs.
• Train and support persons served through rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, monitoring, and instruction in fire and safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, activities of daily living, grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores, and related areas.
• Perform hands-on tasks in the program as needed to implement support plans.
• Assist individuals in becoming integrated into their communities and provide community-based support and resource services.
• Plan recreational and social activities to promote emotional well-being and quality of life, including celebrations, outings, community travel, church activities, decorating, and shopping.
• Provide transportation as necessary.
• Assess residents’ physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
• Monitor residents’ funds as needed.
• Maintain records, collect behavior and academic data, maintain progress notes, enter information into the electronic health record, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities in a communication log.
• Store, administer, document, and dispose of medication consistent with MAC requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy.
• Communicate and provide information to program nurses, funding agencies, case managers, other service providers, Visiting Nurses Association nurses, and physicians.
• Participate in mandated training and staff meetings, assist with orienting new staff, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain program site safety and upkeep, including housekeeping, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and garbage removal.
• Follow corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
• Complete paperwork, logs, and online data records, including communication logs, community membership logs, chore schedules, timesheets, and application forms.
• Ensure the required staff-to-consumer ratio is maintained and provide last-minute coverage as required.
• Function as a human rights advocate, provide physical intervention or first aid during behavioral or medical emergencies, and serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
• Maintain required certifications, review and reply to work emails, and follow Vinfen administrative policies.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan requiring no employee contribution.
• Employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more.
• Employer contribution toward the cost of 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 20 hours or more per week.

What This Job Offers

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