Lead Residential Counselor (Mental Health Services)

Vinfen; Amesbury (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Vinfen is seeking a dedicated Residential Counselor in Massachusetts to support Persons Served (PS) in a GLE/SIE residential setting. You will assist the Program Director, coordinate with the team, and administer medications following MAP policies while promoting recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care.

You will also help PS access medical care, prepare meals, and facilitate group meetings, while modeling confidential, respectful interactions with PS, families, and neighbors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an Associate’s degree is preferred.
• Experience as a residential counselor in similar settings is advantageous.
• Bilingual or bicultural backgrounds are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Orient PS new to the residence with Program Director support.
• Collaborate with Integrated Team members to address PS needs.
• Perform day-to-day assignments as directed by the Program Director.
• Use recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approaches with PS.
• Adhere to safety, maintenance and policy procedures.
• Serve as Medication Officer, Safety Officer or Human Rights Officer as assigned.
• Schedule and facilitate weekly PS group meetings in the residence.
• Participate in grocery shopping and meal preparation for the residence.
• Ensure compliance with licensing standards and MAP protocols.
• Encourage social interaction and a collaborative environment for PS and families.
• Provide crisis intervention when needed and access on-call backup.
• Complete required documentation and support quality improvement efforts.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship building

Cultural sensitivity

Independent judgment

Confidentiality

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree preferred

Tools

MAP protocols

PC applications

Job description

Overview

Provides direct service in a GLE/SIE residential setting. Helps Persons Served (PS) in residence overcome barriers to, and prepare for, living independently. Implements PS Treatment Plan support interventions as coached and supported by Team LPHA Clinician. Assumes administrative officer roles in the program to support the Program Director in performance of their duties and responsibilities. Liaisons with families as needed. Supports PS in obtaining and understanding medical and psychiatric care as needed. Administers PS medications following Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies and procedures. Provides crisis interventions to PS when needed. Provides physical site maintenance. Ensures a safe, comfortable and clean environment.

Responsibilities

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

• Assists the Program Director in orienting PS who are new to the residence.
• Collaborates with Integrated Team members as needed to address needs of PS. Implements PS Treatment Plan interventions as coached and supported by the by Team LPHA Clinician.
• Perform day‑to‑day assignments as directed by the Program Director.
• Uses recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm‑reduction, trauma‑informed, culturally competent and strengths‑based approaches with PS.
• Adheres to safety, maintenance, Human Rights and other operational policies and procedures.
• Assumes role of Medication Officer, Safety Officer, Human Rights Officer as assigned by the Program Director – assignments based on shift schedule in consultation with Residential Director.
• Schedules and facilitates group meetings of PS in the residence weekly to include menu input.
• Performs primary grocery shopping weekly or as needed for the residence.
• Complies with physical site licensing standards and regulations.
• Stores, administers, documents, and disposes of PS medication consistent with Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements, funding source regulations and company policy, if applicable. Ensures program compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols. Teaches PS medication management.
• Creates opportunities for PS to participate in the smooth operation of the residence, including participating in meal preparation, physical site maintenance, etc.
• Encourages social interaction between residents and help create a collaborative environment where PS, family, friends, and others important in the lives of PS are welcome, respected and valued.
• Serves as a resource for neighbors.
• Helps PS prepare meals.
• Acts as an advocate for PS.
• Participates in trainings; attends supervision and staff meetings as requested.
• Completes all required documentation.
• Contributes to program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.
• Helps PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary. Accesses on‑call back up when needed.
• Supports the provision of evidence‑based practices and best practices to PS, including Motivational Interviewing; Harm Reduction; Housing First; Stages of Change; Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); Seeking Safety and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
• Completes Infection Control Inventory for the residence.
• Assists the Program Director with organization of surveillance testing of staff and PS as needed.
• Completes incident documentation as needed.
• Performs physical site maintenance activities following maintenance schedule
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of PS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the resources and support needed in their community of choice
• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with PS, families and neighbors
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability and gender issues
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment

About Vinfen

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visitwww.vinfen.org/careers.

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Qualifications

Typical Requirements:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate’s degree in a human service discipline preferred.
• One year as a residential counselor in a setting working with PS facing mental health challenges preferred.
• One to two years of job‑specific experience in the human services field preferred.
• Bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions are encouraged to apply.

Driving Requirements:Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort:Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position.Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.Ability to operate a computer and other 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 PS with tasks of daily living.

Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed.

Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.

Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Certifications Required:CPR required within two weeks of hireFirst Aid required within two weeks of hireMAP required within 150 days of hire

Pay Range

USD $24.60 - USD $24.60 /Hr.