A Lead Residential Counselor provides direct support to people with behavioral conditions as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. He or she works 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.
The Lead Residential Counselor has a range of duties, include administrating medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAC), implementing treatment plans, and assisting people with activities of daily living, such as household chores and cooking. He or she also strengthen residents' connection to their community by providing transportation on outings such as shopping and doctor's appointments.
Finally, the Lead Residential Counselor serves as an experienced resource in developing the overall quality of the program and the skills of the staff. He or she models skills for program staff and assists in ensuring that new staff are properly trained, onboarded, and welcomed into the program.
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. This includes rehabilitative interventions, behavioral interventions and monitoring, fire & safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, ADLs, grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores and other related areas. Performs hands-on tasks in the program, as required in order 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 the emotional well-being of persons served and improve quality of life. This 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 report changes to supervisor.
- Monitor residents’ funds, as needed.
- Maintains records for persons served. Collects behavior and academic data and maintains progress notes. Enters information into electronic health record. Documents all information related to incidents, programs, and routine activities in a communication log.
- Stores, administers, documents and disposes of medication for persons served 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 the orientation of new staff. Ensures compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies.
- Ensures program site safety and maintenance, as necessary at all times. This includes general housekeeping, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and garbage removal.
- Complies with all corporate and 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. Must perform 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 use of advocacy techniques
- Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment
- Ability to multi-task in a time sensitive environment
- Organizationalskills
- Ability to adapt and communicate to a variety of individuals through the use of different communication styles
- 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 work in a professional and confidential capacity
- High motivation to learn, practice new skills
- Consistency in performance
- Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
- Knowledge of participatory planning techniques
- Knowledge ofrequired physical personal managementskills
- Knowledge ofrequired household managementskills
- Knowledge of crisisintervention techniques
- Strong ability to learn and use online tools such as Microsoft Outlook and an electronic health record
Typical Requirements:
A minimum of two years’ experience in a Residential Counselor role. Demonstrated track record as an exceptional performer and team-player while in the Residential Counselor role.
Preferred /Required Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.
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 maintain a safe driving record which is 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 as this is a very physically active position.
Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Required Certifications:
CPR required within two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
MAC follows CT guidelines
Safety Care required within two weeks of hire
