Residential Counselor (3822)

Charles River Center; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles River Center in Newton, MA is seeking a Residential Counselor to develop and implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and provide direct care and training to residents in a Group Home setting.

You will assist with daily living, health monitoring, transportation, and advocacy, while maintaining resident dignity and rights. A GED or equivalent, valid driver’s license, and lifting ability are required.

Qualifications

• Education: GED or equivalent.
• Experience with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus.
• Valid driver's license.
• Required trainings: First Aid/CPR, DDS Medication Administration Certificate, Safety Care/Legal Certificate, DPPC/Human Rights/Universal Precautions, CORE Curriculum.
• Knowledge of Positive Behavioral Supports preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Consent to Criminal History Background Check (CORI).
• Ability to perform essential duties with reasonable accommodation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision in medical, dental and personal care, social and communication skills, meal preparation and household management.
• Implement, develop, and review ISPs and track progress.
• Assist residents in housing rule adherence and regulatory compliance.
• Transport residents to activities and medical appointments.
• Utilize Positive Behavioral Supports to promote resident well‑being.
• Maintain resident dignity and rights per policies.
• Assist in advocacy and training related to human rights.
• Complete required documentation and reporting per agency policies.
• Lead weekly house meetings for recreation and meal planning, house rules and concerns.
• Maintain financial records for residents and program funds per regulations.
• Obtain and maintain state certification in medication administration within six months.
• Adhere to DDS and CRC regulations on behavior management and interventions.

Skills

Interpersonal

Teamwork

Dependability

Communication

Planning

Initiative

Data reporting

Policies compliance

Attendance

Leadership

Education

GED or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Group Home (27) - Newton, MA 02461

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: $20.62 - $20.62 Hourly

Job Shift: Any

Position Overview

The Residential Counselor plays a vital role in developing and implementing Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and providing direct care, training, and support to residents. This includes:

• Assisting with personal care and daily living activities
• Implementing behavior plans, medical protocols, and interventions
• Supporting vocational and community-based activities

All positions require physical assistance (e.g., lifting, transfers, emergency restraint).

Resident Support & Care

• Provide direct care and supervision in areas such as medical, dental and personal care, social and communication skills, meal preparation and household management, travel training and financial management, religious practice (if desired).
• Implement, develop, and review Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and track progress.
• Assist residents in abiding by housing rules set by residents, landlords, or Housing Authorities in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Transport residents to activities and medical appointments.
• Utilize Positive Behavioral Supports to promote resident well‑being.
• Maintain resident dignity and rights in accordance with policies.
• Assist in advocacy and training related to human rights.

Administrative & Compliance Duties

• Complete required documentation and reporting in a timely manner per agency policies.
• Lead weekly house meetings to discuss recreation and meal planning, house rules and general concerns, resident successes.
• Maintain financial records for residents and program funds that align with regulatory requirements and agency policies.
• Obtain and maintain state certification in medication administration within the first six months.
• Adhere to DDS and CRC regulations regarding behavior management, emergency interventions and work policy.

Awake Overnight Counselors (Additional Responsibilities)

• Provide personal care and health monitoring while remaining awake and alert.
• Perform housekeeping tasks as assigned.
• Provide emergency coverage when necessary (not exceeding 70 hours/week without approval).

Required Skills & Competencies

• Interpersonal Skills: Builds positive relationships with residents, staff, and families.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively to achieve department and agency goals.
• Dependability: Completes tasks accurately and consistently.
• Communication: Effectively conveys information in oral and written formats.
• Planning & Organization: Manages multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Initiative: Demonstrates problem‑solving skills and independent thinking.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Gathers and documents data accurately.
• Adheres to company policies and procedures.
• Maintains attendance and punctuality standards.
• Supports and enforces agency objectives through leadership and conduct.

Qualifications

• Education: GED or equivalent.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus.
• Valid driver's license.
• Successful completion of state and agency-mandated training:
  • First Aid/CPR (within first month of employment)
  • DDS Medication Administration Certificate (within first six months)
  • Safety Care/Legal Certificate (within first six months)
  • DPPC/Fire Safety/Human Rights/Universal Precautions Certificate (upon hire)
  • New Hire Orientation, including completion of CORE Curriculum (within first three months)
• Knowledge of Positive Behavioral Supports is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must consent to a Criminal History Background Check (CORI) and release of information from agencies such as the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) and Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
• Must be able to perform essential duties with reasonable accommodation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Language Skills

• Must be fluent in English.
• Ability to read, interpret, and write reports and safety guidelines.
• Effective verbal communication with residents, families, and staff.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or crouch.
• Frequent use of hands for tasks and reaching.
• Ability to lift and maneuver up to 100 lbs (assistance provided when possible).
• Ability to lift:
  • Up to 30 lbs (floor to waist)
  • 10-15 lbs (waist to overhead)

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions.
• Strong problem‑solving skills for daily responsibilities.