Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Vinfen•Milton, MA

About The Position

The Residential Counselor provides individual and group support to people with developmental disabilities in a residential program. The role teaches skills that promote independence, self-advocacy, and quality of life while maintaining a safe, secure, and clean home. The counselor helps individuals participate in their communities, develop and maintain friendships, strengthen family partnerships, and make choices about their supports and lives. The position includes training and support in daily living, behavioral and rehabilitative interventions, community access, household management, and other areas. The counselor maintains records and documentation, supports medication management in accordance with MAP requirements and applicable policies, communicates with involved parties, and contributes to treatment planning and implementation. The role may require transportation, shift coverage at other programs, physical intervention or first aid in emergencies, and household maintenance.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; in some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.
Candidates with one or more years of experience and/or training in a related function are encouraged to apply.
Valid driver's license presented at the time of employment.
At least 21 years of age and a valid U.S. driver's license held for at least six months.
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.
Obtain PBS Tier 1 certification within 150 days of hire.
Obtain Safety Care certification within 90 days of hire.
Knowledge and use of advocacy, empowerment, self-advocacy, and participatory planning techniques.
Knowledge of communication styles, 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 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 consistency in performance.
Ability to assist clients with activities of daily living.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.

Responsibilities

Support individuals in becoming integrated into their communities, accessing community resources, and developing and maintaining friendships.
Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being.
Empower individuals to make choices, advocate for themselves, and participate in decisions about their supports and lives.
Support access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment to improve communication, community access, and independence.
Support individuals in obtaining and maintaining work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
Encourage strong partnerships among individuals, their families, staff, and other interested parties.
Provide training and support in rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, safety regulations, appointments, money management, activities of daily living, shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores, and use of community resources.
Perform hands-on 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 behavioral and academic data, write progress notes, and document incidents, programs, and routine activities.
Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication according to MAP requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy.
Communicate with and provide information to program nurses, case managers, visiting nurses, and other interested parties.
Participate in mandated training and staff meetings.
Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory policies, procedures, and standards.
Maintain home safety and perform housekeeping, snow shoveling, and trash removal as necessary.
Follow corporate and divisional policies, 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 at other homes or programs as assigned by a supervisor.
Function as a human rights advocate, provide physical intervention and/or first aid in emergencies, and serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission.
Assist with developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
Perform other related duties as required.