Residential Counselor

About Vinfen: Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Overview:

The IDN Counselor assists in the implementation of individual's IP individualized day non-vocational (IDN) goals and with emphasis toward community activities and engagement. She or he provides support and guidance to persons served in their residential home and in the community. IDN is an alternative day service, for Individuals that are not able/willing to participate in a group setting or a traditional day service. Individuals are supported 1:1 with staff and will have specific goals to accomplish during the daytime hours (generally 9:00am-3:00pm). IDN Counselors will engage and support individuals in achieving the goals and assist with any emotional or behavioral supports the individual may have. Counselors are required to document all services daily.

Responsibilities:

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

• Works directly with persons served individually. Works to develop skills for persons served.

• Documents service in CX360, Vinfen's electronic health record by checking individuals in and out of IDN services and completing a daily note reporting on progress toward established, measurable goals.

• Implements prescribed clinical, educational, behavioral programs.

• Is responsible for specific data collection, quantifying data, transferring to daily chart, and performing bi-monthly analysis of data.

• Maintains physical upkeep of the program area. Ensures equipment is used, cleaned, and stored properly.

• Acts as advocate for persons served in all areas.

• Completes required direct care training

• Perform other related duties, as required.

 

Knowledge and Skills:
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques 
• Knowledge of applied behavioral analysis with special needs population
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
• Knowledge and use of different communication styles
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices
• Knowledge of required physical personal management skills
• Knowledge of required independent living management skills
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Knowledge of available community resources, job, and training opportunities
• Knowledge of documentation requirements
• Persuasive, collaborative, and participative skills
• Presentation skills
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to provide a positive role model 

About Vinfen:

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.

 

Our comprehensive and generous benefits package includes (for eligible employees):

• A fully funded 401(a), employer-sponsored retirement plan that requires no employee contribution as well as an employee-funded 403(b) plan
• First-rate Medical, Dental and Vision plans that are open all employees scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more. Plus, we offer a generous employer contribution toward the cost of medical insurance!
• Employer-paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Long-Term Disability Insurance (no cost to you!)
• Employer-paid Short-Term Disability Insurance for employees who qualify
• Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (Health and Dependent care)
• Voluntary Term Life, Whole Life, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Generous paid time off (Employees scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week).

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

 

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.

Qualifications:

Typical Requirements:
One year of experience/training in a related function. 

Preferred /Required Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. 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'sscreening 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 required (follows CT guidelines )
Safety Care required within 60 days of hire

Pay Range: USD $22.05 - USD $22.05 /Hr.