Residential Counselor

Job Title: Residential Counselor

Department: Adult Disabilities Services

Reports To: Residential Coordinator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary: Under the general supervision of the Residential Coordinator, the Residential Counselor provides support to participants in cluster homes with the goal of maximizing participants’ capacity for personal growth and community membership consistent with each participant's support plan. Residential Counselors work to ensure high quality of care for participants including in cluster homes and in relationship to community partners.

Supervision, Training, and Administrative Responsibilities

• Actively participate in regular supervision and work with the Residential Coordinator to ensure a safe home environment for all participants. Participate in staff meetings, case reviews, ISPs and other required training seminars.
• Maintain all required certifications. Obtain and maintain Medication Administration Program Certification (MAP). Comply with MAB and DDS policies and applicable state laws.
• Complete tasks assigned by Residential Coordinator, Case Manager, AOD, MAP Consultant and all other supervisors as requested.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure a safe and clean home for all participants. Assist and support participants to help maintain the home.
• Assist with data collection, progress notes and assessments in the implementation of ISPs.
• Comply with all program policies on documentation, communication, reporting, and confidentiality. Keep accurate accounting of participant and program funds.
• Dispense medications, obtain vital signs, and administer treatments to participants per physicians’ orders and according to Medication Administration Program (MAP) policy.

Person Centered Planning and Support

• Advocate effectively for participants, ensuring participants' choices, interests and needs are supported and implemented consistent with their Individual Support Plan (ISP), including person centered planning.
• Provide direct support to and teach participants in the completion of their activities of daily living (including, but not limited to, bathing, cooking, cleaning, toileting, shopping) as required, including direct physical support as needed.
• Observe and report on participants’ physical, mental and emotional conditions. Serve as a positive role model in areas of interpersonal relations, social behavior, and appropriate dress for the weather, all while adhering to MAB policies.
• Manage challenging situations, facilitate problem-solving, and provide positive behavioral supports. Use sound judgment where limited guidelines exist.

Community Partnerships

• Support participants to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with friends and family members.
• Provide opportunities for participants to become contributing members in the community. Seek out and support appropriate and safe community activities that reflect the participants’ interests.
• Facilitate and provide transportation to participants’ community activities, appointments, work, errands, medical visits, religious services (including the Emergency Room) etc..
• Accompany participants to their community activities, appointments, work, errands, medical visits, religious services (including the Emergency Room) etc.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree and/or related experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, their families, co-workers and community professionals. Ability to read and understand ISPs, records, logs, policies, and manuals, etc.. Ability to clearly write accurate and timely progress reports, log notes, assessments and other correspondence.
• Valid MA driver’s license and ability to drive program vehicles and wheelchair vans to transport participants to appointments, day programs, recreational activities, etc. Must be able to drive for extended periods of time and on highways as needed.
• Frequent walking, standing and driving. Must be able to maintain a high level of energy in a fast paced environment. Must be able to lift and/or carry lightweight and moderately heavy objects. Must be able to assist in lifting and transferring participants. Must be able to implement safety restraint procedures in response to emergencies or treatment plans, and apply First Aid and CPR.
• Comfort with computers and ability to learn new reporting software.
• MAB will assist employee with obtaining required MAP Certification, CPR and First Aid certificates if applicant does not have them when hired.

In accordance with MAB's ADA policy, MAB will engage in an interactive dialogue with individuals to determine if the essential functions of the position may be fulfilled with or without a reasonable accommodation.