Residential Counselor; Developmental Disabilities

Overview

Provide individual and group support to persons served in a residential program. Teach skills to enhance independence, quality of life, and self‑advocacy. Ensure a safe, secure, and clean residential environment and assist individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities.

• Assist individuals in becoming fully integrated into communities and developing friendships.
• Help individuals access community‑based support and resources.
• Plan recreational and social activities that promote inclusion and emotional wellbeing.
• Empower and support individuals to make choices, self‑advocate, and participate in decisions about their lives.
• Support individuals with assistive technology and adaptive equipment to augment communication and community access.
• Assist individuals in securing, maintaining, and growing work, volunteer, and other community engagement opportunities.
• Encourage and support families in maintaining strong partnerships with staff.
• Provide training and support in rehabilitative interventions, behavioral interventions, 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 required to implement support plans.
• Provide transportation as necessary.
• Assess physical and emotional status and report changes to supervisor.
• Monitor individual funds as needed.
• Maintain records, collect behavior and academic data, and keep progress notes. Document incidents, programs, and routine activities in a communication log.
• Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication per MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and company policy.
• Communicate with program nurse, case managers, and visiting nurses association as required.
• Participate in mandated training and staff meetings.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external regulatory policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure home safety and maintenance, including housekeeping, snow shoveling, and trash removal.
• Comply with corporate and divisional policies: safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control.
• Complete paperwork and logs: communication logs, community membership logs, and activity schedules.
• Provide shift coverage in other homes/programs as assigned.
• Act as a human rights advocate; provide physical intervention or first aid during 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 use of advocacy techniques.
• Knowledge and use of different communication styles.
• Knowledge of empowerment and self‑advocacy techniques.
• Knowledge of participatory planning techniques.
• Knowledge of required physical personal management skills.
• Knowledge of required household management skills.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
• Participatory, collaborative, and teaching skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to adapt and communicate to a variety of individuals using different communication styles.
• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• High motivation to learn and practice new skills.
• Consistency in performance.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.

• One or more years of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; experience may substitute for academic training.

Driving is required for this position using a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, the applicant must possess and maintain adequate insurance, a safe driving record subject to annual checks, and a valid driver’s license presented at time of employment. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least six months, and must pass a driver’s screening…