Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Vinfen•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. The role works with the people served, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to build independence skills and improve quality of life. Duties include administering medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAP), implementing treatment plans, assisting with activities of daily living, and providing transportation for community outings and appointments. The counselor supports individuals’ community integration, relationships, self-advocacy, choices, employment and other engagement opportunities, and access to community resources, assistive technology, and adaptive equipment. The position also provides training and rehabilitative and behavioral support; assists with household and personal management activities; monitors individuals’ physical and emotional status and funds; maintains records and progress documentation; coordinates with interested parties; and helps ensure regulatory compliance, home safety, and implementation of support and treatment plans. The role may require coverage at other homes or programs and physical intervention or first aid during emergencies. This is a physically active role that may involve routine living activities such as cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping. The stated pay range is USD $21.27 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; in some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.
At least 21 years of age.
Current, valid U.S. driver's license; the posting states at least six months of possession in one section and at least one year in another.
Pass CORI, reference, national fingerprinting, driving-record, and driver's-screening background checks.
Strong time-management and writing skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written formats and adapt communication to a variety of individuals and communication styles.
Ability to work professionally and confidentially, collaborate, teach, and learn and practice new skills with consistency.
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.
Ability to promote family partnerships and social inclusion in ways that support individual choices, and ability to implement PBS treatment programs.
Driving is required using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within two weeks of employment, MAP certification within 150 days, and Safety Care within 90 days; PBS Tier 1 is required within 150 days.
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, and 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with people with developmental disabilities and/or brain injury is strongly preferred.
Candidates with one or more years of experience and/or training in a related function will be given preference.

Responsibilities

Help individuals become integrated into their communities, access community-based supports and resources, and develop and maintain friendships.
Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being.
Support individuals’ choices, self-advocacy, decision-making, and involvement in directing their supports and lives.
Support access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment to augment communication, community access, and independence.
Support individuals in obtaining, maintaining, and growing in work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
Encourage individuals and their families to maintain strong partnerships with staff and other interested parties.
Provide training and support in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, fire and safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, activities of daily living, grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores, and use of generic resources.
Perform hands-on program 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; maintain progress notes; and document incidents, programs, and routine activities in communication logs.
Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy.
Communicate with and provide information to interested parties, including program nurses, case managers, and Visiting Nurses Association staff.
Participate in 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 maintenance, including general 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 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.