Residential Counselor

Vinfen; New Britain (CT); On-site; USD 23,866 - 33,992; Full time

Job summary

Vinfen seeks a Residential Counselor II to provide support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, developing treatment plans, and community engagement.

Applicants should have a high school diploma and preferably a year of related experience. A valid driver's license is required, along with CPR and First Aid certification.

Compensation is $21.00/hour.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred.
• Must possess a valid US driver's license and maintain a safe driving record.
• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs using proper lifting techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document treatment plans including ISP/IPs and clinical programs.
• Assist individuals with daily living tasks and community integration.
• Monitor residents' progress and report changes to supervisors.

Skills

Advocacy techniques

Different communication styles

Empowerment and self-advocacy techniques

Crisis intervention techniques

Household management skills

Ability to work independently

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

A Residential Counselor II provides direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. They work together with the people we serve, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to transform their lives by either building independence skills or increasing each person's quality of life.

Residential Counselors have a range of duties including administering medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAC), implementing treatment plans, and assisting people with activities of daily living such as household chores and cooking. They also strengthen residents' connection to their community by providing transportation on outings such as shopping and doctor's appointments.

Responsibilities

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

• Assists in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/IPs and clinical programs.
• Provides training and support to persons served. Includes rehabilitative and behavioral interventions, fire & safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, ADLs, grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, household chores and other related areas. Performs hands‑on tasks as required to facilitate implementation of support plans.
• Assists individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities; assists residents with community-based support and resource services; plans recreational and social activities to promote emotional well‑being and improve quality of life. Includes holiday and birthday parties, celebrations, outings, community travel, church activities, decorating, shopping and other related activities.
• Provides transportation as necessary.
• Assesses residents’ physical and emotional status and reports changes to supervisor.
• Monitors residents’ funds as needed.
• Maintains records for persons served. Collects behavior and academic data, maintains progress notes, enters information into electronic health record, documents incidents, programs and routine activities in a communication log.
• Stores, administers, documents and disposes of medication consistent with MAC requirements, funding source regulations and company policy.
• Communicates with and provides information to interested parties such as program nurse, funding agency, case managers, other service providers, Visiting Nurses Association nurses, and physicians.
• Participates in all mandated training and staff meetings as directed by manager. Assists with orientation of new staff. Ensures compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies.
• Ensures program site safety and maintenance as necessary at all times: general housekeeping, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, garbage removal.
• Complies with all corporate, divisional policies and procedures including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions and exposure control.
• Completes various paperwork and logs and online data records including communication logs, community membership logs, chore schedules, timesheets and application forms.
• Ensures required staff‑to‑consumer ratio is maintained at all times. Performs last‑minute coverage as required.
• Functions as human rights advocate. Provides physical intervention and/or first aid in the event of behavior or medical emergency. Serves as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
• Maintains required certifications, reviews and replies to work emails, and follows all Vinfen administrative policies.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge and Skills:

• Advocacy techniques
• Different communication styles
• Empowerment and self‑advocacy techniques
• Participatory planning techniques
• Physical personal management skills
• Household management skills
• Crisis intervention techniques
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability and gender issues
• Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to learn and use online tools such as Microsoft Outlook and an electronic health record

Qualifications

Typical Requirements: At least one year of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred.

Preferred /Required Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

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 a safe driving record 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, lift at least 25 lbs using proper lifting techniques or a two‑person lift; operation of computer and office equipment; ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, maneuver through narrow spaces; assist clients with daily living tasks; speak, hear, and communicate; vision requirements.

Required Certifications: CPR, First Aid, MAC follows CT guidelines, Safety Care within two weeks of hire.

Pay Range

USD $21.00 – $21.00 /Hr.

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.