Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Vinfen•Boston, MA

About The Position

Provide individual and group support to people with developmental disabilities in a residential program. Teach and support skills that promote independence, self-advocacy, choice, and quality of life, while maintaining a safe, secure, and clean home. Help individuals participate fully in their communities, develop and maintain friendships, and strengthen family partnerships. The role includes hands-on support with daily living, community participation, and implementation of support plans; maintaining records and regulatory compliance; and responding to behavioral or medical emergencies. The position requires driving using either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. Employees using a personal vehicle must maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record. A valid driver’s license must be presented at hire; drivers 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 screening. CPR and First Aid are required within two weeks of hire; MAP and PBS Tier 1 within 150 days; and Safety Care within 90 days.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; experience may substitute for academic training in some cases.
One or more years of experience and/or training in a related function is encouraged.
Knowledge of advocacy, communication styles, empowerment and self-advocacy, participatory planning, personal care, household management, 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 adapt communication to a variety of individuals and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work professionally and confidentially.
Motivation to learn and practice new skills, with consistent performance.
Valid driver’s license presented at hire; at least 21 years old; valid U.S. driver’s license held for at least six months; and ability to pass a driving background screening.
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, 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 speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
MAP certification within 150 days of hire.
PBS Tier 1 certification within 150 days of hire.
Safety Care certification within 90 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and proven ability to promote family partnerships.
Knowledge and proven ability to promote social inclusion in ways that support individual choices.
Knowledge and proven ability to implement PBS treatment programs.

Responsibilities

Help individuals integrate into 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, advocating for themselves, and participating in decisions about their supports and lives.
Support access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
Help individuals secure and maintain work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
Support strong partnerships among individuals, their families, staff, and other interested parties.
Train and support individuals 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 needed to implement support plans and provide transportation as necessary.
Assess individuals’ physical and emotional status and report changes to a supervisor.
Monitor individual funds as needed.
Maintain records, behavior and academic data, progress notes, communication logs, and documentation of incidents, programs, and routine activities.
Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy.
Communicate and share information with interested parties, including program nurses, case managers, and the Visiting Nurses Association.
Attend mandated training and staff meetings as directed by the supervisor.
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 required paperwork and logs, including communication logs, community membership logs, and activity schedules.
Provide shift coverage in other homes or programs when assigned by a supervisor.
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.
Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
Perform other related duties as required.