Part-Time Residential Counselors

AlexandriaVAGov; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Alexandria seeks compassionate individuals for part-time Residential Counselor positions. You will support adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting, ensuring their dignity and promoting community integration. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience and a commitment to helping others achieve their goals.

Qualifications

• At least one year of direct experience with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Support residents in developing and implementing individualized service plans.
• Instruct residents in daily living skills.
• Monitor medication management and document progress.

Skills

Empathy

Effective communication

Crisis management

Community integration

Behavioral support

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Post-high-school training related to behavioral health

Job description

Part-Time Residential Counselors

The City of Alexandria, located in northern Virginia, borders the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in Virginia. Known for its charming waterfront and rich history, Alexandria offers a unique living and working environment. We invite qualified candidates to apply for our Residential Counselor positions.

An Overview

Are you compassionate and committed to helping others achieve their dreams? Do you enjoy advocating for those you support? Do you like connecting people to their communities? Are you dedicated to meeting health and safety needs and helping residents love where they live? Are you solution-oriented, able to work independently and as part of a team? Do you have experience supporting individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities? If so, join our team of Direct Support Professionals. We believe and strive to ensure all residents are treated with dignity and respect, are self-directing, and are recognized for their inherent value as unique individuals.

As a Residential Support Team member, you will support adults diagnosed with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities in a residential setting. Responsibilities include completing assessments, writing daily progress notes, incident reports, supervising daily living activities, and guiding residents in developing and implementing person-centered plans. All duties will be performed within the framework of Department Policy, City Regulations, State Regulations, Human Rights guidelines, and best practices. Availability to work varying shifts, including evenings, overnights, and weekends, is required.

What You Should Bring

Knowledge of supporting adults with developmental disabilities, promoting individual choice, community integration, and self-determination. Familiarity with person-centered practices, universal language, and positive behavioral supports. Ability to facilitate meaningful relationships, community connections, social and recreational activities. Effective communication skills, both oral and written. Knowledge of household coordination, mental health, intellectual disabilities, or developmental delays. Empathy for individuals facing mental health or developmental challenges. Ability to identify crisis behaviors, provide instruction in basic living skills, and use independent judgment within policies and guidelines.

The Opportunity

• Support residents in developing and implementing individualized, person-centered service plans.
• Instruct and guide residents in daily living skills, including personal hygiene, house cleaning, laundry, financial management, social activities, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and community access. Transport residents in a city vehicle.
• Monitor medication management, report concerns, and document progress.
• Complete assessments, progress notes, incident reports, and maintain compliance with licensing and Medicaid regulations.
• Ensure routine interior and exterior cleaning and maintenance, reporting repairs as needed.
• Attend supervisory and staff meetings regularly.
• Perform related duties as required.

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) offers programs in Aging, Adult Protective Services, Clinical & Emergency Services, and Community & Residential Support for seniors and individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate, person-centered services based on best practices, supporting self-determination, safety, and recovery for residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental health issues, disabilities, and substance use disorders.

Minimum qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED, plus post-high-school training related to behavioral health, medical health, substance use, or mental health. At least one year of direct experience with individuals served by the program is required, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. A valid driver’s license issued in the applicant’s state of residence is mandatory.

Candidates should have at least three (3) years of recent experience working in a residential setting with adults with developmental disabilities and possess basic computer skills.

Pre-employment checks include: Federal Record Check, VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry, Drug Testing, Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database, and driver’s license verification.

Openings and Shifts

• Shift #1: Friday through Monday, 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (32 hours)
• Shift #2: Monday, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Grayson); Friday, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Seminary); Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (30 hours)
• Shift #3: Tuesday through Thursday, 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM; Sunday, 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM (Linden)
• Shift #4: Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Shift #5: Saturday & Sunday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

As an Essential Employee, staff are expected to work during weekends, nights, holidays, or inclement weather as scheduled.