Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Vinfen; Weymouth (MA); On-site; USD 23,582 - 33,587; Full time

Job summary

Vinfen is seeking a dedicated individual to provide support to persons in residential programs in Weymouth, Massachusetts. You will assist individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities, facilitate skill development, and ensure a safe, secure environment.

The ideal candidate will possess strong advocacy skills, effective communication, and a high school diploma. Experience is valued, and driving is required. This role offers a competitive pay rate of $20.75 per hour.

Qualifications

• One or more years of experience in a related function is encouraged.
• Driving is required; personal vehicle must have adequate insurance.
• Ability to stand, bend, lift at least 25 pounds, and assist with daily living tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group support to persons served.
• Assist individuals to access community-based support and resources.
• Plan recreational and social activities for emotional well-being.
• Maintain records and document progress notes.

Skills

Advocacy techniques

Effective oral and written communication

Empowerment and self-advocacy techniques

Various communication styles

Physical personal management skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Provide individual and group support to persons served in a residential program. Teach skills to enhance independence and quality of life. Ensure a safe, secure and clean residential environment. Assist individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities, developing friendships, strengthening family engagement and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in the home in becoming fully integrated into their communities and develop and maintain friendships.
• Assist individuals to access community-based support and resources.
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote social inclusion and the emotional well‑being of individuals in support of living a good life.
• Empower and support individuals in the home to make choices, act as a self‑advocate, and be fully involved in determining the directions of their supports and lives.
• Support individuals in the home with access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment to augment communication, access to communities, and improve independence.
• Supports individuals in securing, maintaining, and growing in work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Encourage and support individuals and their involved families to maintain strong partnerships with staff and other interested parties.
• Provide training and support in rehabilitative interventions, behavioral interventions and monitoring, fire & safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, ADLs, grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores, and use of generic resources.
• Perform hands‑on tasks in the program to facilitate implementation of support plans.
• Provide transportation as necessary.
• Assess the physical and emotional status of individuals and report changes to supervisor.
• Monitor individual funds as needed.
• Maintain records, collect behavior and academic data, and keep progress notes. Document all information related to incidents, programs, and routine activities in a communication log.
• Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication for individuals consistent with MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy.
• Communicate with program nurse, case managers, and Visiting Nurses Association.
• Participate in all mandated training and staff meetings as directed by the supervisor.
• Ensure compliance with all internal and external regulatory policies, procedures, and standards.
• Maintain home safety and maintenance, including general housekeeping, snow shoveling, and trash removal.
• Comply with corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
• Complete paperwork and logs, including communication logs, community membership logs, and activity schedules.
• Provide shift coverage as necessary in other homes/programs as assigned by supervisor.
• Function as a human rights advocate. Provide physical intervention and/or first aid during behavioral or medical emergencies. Serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge And Skills

• Advocacy techniques
• Various communication styles
• Empowerment and self‑advocacy techniques
• Participatory planning techniques
• Physical personal management skills
• Household management skills
• Crises intervention techniques
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
• Collaborative and teaching skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Adaptation and communication with diverse individuals using different styles
• Professional and confidential conduct
• High motivation to learn new skills
• Consistent performance
• Effective oral and written communication

Learn Or Master The Following Areas

• Advocacy techniques
• Empowerment and self‑advocacy techniques
• Family partnership promotion
• Social inclusion promotion supporting individual choices
• Implementation of PBS treatment programs
• Participatory planning techniques
• Physical personal management skills
• Crises intervention techniques

About Vinfen

Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization providing community‑based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Vinfen’s 3,500 employees offer supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services across more than 550 sites in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Qualifications

Candidates with one or more years of experience and/or training in a related function are encouraged to apply.

Preferred /Required Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is required; in some cases, experience may substitute for academic training.

Driving Requirements

Driving is required. Use of a Vinfen van or personal vehicle is accepted. A personal vehicle must have adequate insurance, a safe driving record subject to annual checks, and a valid driver’s license presented at employment. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least six months, and pass a background check.

Physical Effort

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb. Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two‑person lift. Operation of computers and office equipment. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces. Assistance with daily living tasks. Visual and auditory communication with clients, staff, and external representatives.

Required Certifications

• CPR (within two weeks of hire)
• First Aid (within two weeks of hire)
• MAP (within 150 days of hire)
• PBS Tier 1 (within 150 days of hire)
• Safety Care (within 90 days of hire)

Pay Range

USD $20.75 - USD $20.75 /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.