Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen•Pembroke, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides direct services in a GLE/SIE residential setting, supporting Persons Served (PS) as they overcome barriers and prepare to live independently. The role implements treatment-plan interventions assigned by the Team LPHA Clinician, administers medication in accordance with Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements, provides crisis interventions when needed, and helps maintain a safe, comfortable, clean residential environment. The counselor uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches. The position involves supporting residents with daily living activities, medication management, meal preparation, social engagement, advocacy, and participation in the operation of the residence. The counselor collaborates with the integrated team, completes required documentation, contributes to quality improvement, attends trainings and meetings as requested, and may help orient new residents and staff. This is a physically active role requiring driving in either a Vinfen van or a personal vehicle. A valid driver's license, safe driving record, and required insurance for personal vehicle use are specified. CPR and First Aid must be obtained within two weeks of hire, and MAP certification within 150 days of hire. The stated pay range is USD $22.55 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong commitment to the rights and ability of Persons Served to live and work in their community of choice, have meaningful relationships, and receive needed resources and supports.
Ability to establish supportive, trusting relationships with Persons Served, 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.
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.
Present a valid driver's license at employment; be at least 21 years old; have held a valid U.S. driver's license for at least six months; and pass a driver's screening background check.
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 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 Persons Served with tasks of daily living.
Ability to remain stationary 50% of the time as needed.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with Persons Served, staff, and external representatives.
Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, and 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/bicultural background.
Lived experience of psychiatric conditions.

Responsibilities

Orient Persons Served who are new to the residence.
Collaborate with Integrated Team members to address the needs of Persons Served.
Implement treatment-plan interventions as directed by the Team LPHA Clinician.
Complete 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.
Follow safety, maintenance, Human Rights, operational, and physical-site licensing policies and requirements.
Store, administer, document, and dispose of medication according to MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy; ensure compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols.
Teach Persons Served medication management.
Create opportunities for residents to participate in the operation of the residence, including meal preparation and site maintenance.
Help Persons Served prepare meals and participate in activities of daily living.
Encourage social interaction and foster a collaborative environment in which residents and people important to them are welcomed, respected, and valued.
Serve as a resource for neighbors and advocate for Persons Served.
Participate in trainings and attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
Assist with the orientation of new staff.
Complete required documentation and incident documentation as needed.
Contribute to the program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.
Help Persons Served use crisis intervention techniques and access on-call backup when needed.
Support evidence-based and best practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, WRAP, Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
Perform physical site maintenance according to the maintenance schedule.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan requiring no employee contribution.
Employee-funded 403(b) plan.
Medical insurance plans, with an employer contribution toward the cost; available to employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week.
Dental insurance plans, available to employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week.
Vision insurance plans, available to employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Employer-paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance.
Employer-paid 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.