Department: Residential
Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt
Reports To: Program Director
Position Overview
The Relief Counselor provides per diem coverage (up to 34 hours per week) for various departments within the Charles River Center (CRC). Responsibilities include:
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Implementing Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
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Providing direct care and supervision
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Assisting with daily activities
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Ensuring compliance with CRC policies and procedures
This role follows the principles of normalization and community inclusion, ensuring that individuals receive high-quality, person-centered care in a supportive environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Direct Care & Individual Support
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Provide per diem coverage across CRC homes as scheduled.
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Implement and review Individual Support Plans (ISPs) assigned by the Program Director.
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Provide direct support, instruction, and supervision, including:
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Personal care (hygiene, dressing, meal preparation)
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Social skills and education
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Travel training and telephone usage
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Managing personal funds and assisting with purchases
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Encouraging participation in religious, social, and leisure activities
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Advocate for human and legal rights of individuals served.
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Assist with household maintenance, grocery shopping, and errands while promoting resident participation.
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Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming home environment.
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Foster community inclusion by coordinating meaningful activities based on individual preferences.
Behavioral & Safety Support
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Utilize Positive Behavioral Supports to reinforce positive behaviors and minimize challenges.
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Assist residents in adhering to House Rules for their assigned home.
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Provide overnight supervision, ensuring individuals’ health and safety at all times.
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Remain awake and alert during overnight shifts.
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Be prepared to stay beyond scheduled shifts in emergencies (e.g., inclement weather, lack of relief coverage).
Transportation & Record-Keeping
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Transport individuals to appointments, community activities, and events as assigned.
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Maintain accurate and timely record-keeping on:
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Individual progress and behavior
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Financial transactions for individuals and house funds
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House operations and daily activities
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Communicate concerns, issues, and program updates to Program Directors.
Training & Compliance
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Attend mandatory in-service trainings, meetings, and certification programs.
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge on CRC policies, safety protocols, and program expectations.
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Ensure compliance with agency and state regulations for residential services.
Required Skills & Competencies
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
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Ability to interact in a professional, respectful, and supportive manner with individuals, staff, and families.
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Strong oral and written communication skills for reporting and documentation.
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Effective teamwork and collaboration with coworkers and management.
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Active listening and ability to assimilate feedback for continuous improvement.
Reliability & Problem-Solving
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Strong dependability—punctual and consistent in following through on responsibilities.
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Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing conditions.
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Self-driven with strong initiative and problem-solving skills.
Work Ethic & Professionalism
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Adheres to company policies and procedures, setting a positive example for others.
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Maintains a high standard of responsibility and accountability.
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Demonstrates strong organizational and planning skills to complete tasks efficiently.
- Enrolled in or completed a degree program in Human Services (or equivalent experience).
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Knowledge of:
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Principles of Normalization & Community Inclusion
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Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS)
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Restraint and PAB (Physical Assistance and Behavioral) techniques
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Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License required.
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Certification Requirements (Must be obtained and maintained):
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Medication Administration Program (MAP) – optional for relief staff
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Fire Safety, Human Rights, Mandated Reporting, Universal Precautions
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Safety Care & Legal Restraint Training (within first 6 months)
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Standard First Aid & CPR (within first 30 days)
Language & Reasoning Abilities
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Must be fluent in English and able to read and interpret safety rules, policies, and procedure manuals.
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Strong written communication skills for reports and correspondence.
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Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, staff, families, and community members.
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Able to follow detailed written and oral instructions.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described below are essential to the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.
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Frequent sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
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Frequent use of hands/fingers for tasks such as meal preparation and documentation.
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Ability to lift up to 30 pounds (floor to waist) and 10-15 pounds overhead.
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Must be able to assist in lifting individuals up to 100 pounds (support provided as needed).
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Requires significant endurance to meet the physical demands of the role.
Work Hours & Scheduling Policy
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Relief staff must not exceed 34 hours per week.
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The CRC workweek begins at 11:00 p.m. on Friday night (e.g., a Friday overnight shift counts toward the weekly limit).
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Employees must track their own hours and are responsible for ensuring they do not exceed limits.
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Only a Cluster Director or the Vice President for Residential Services can approve schedules exceeding the 34-hour limit.
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Employees who exceed the 34-hour limit without approval may be removed from the relief staff list.
