Direct Care Counselor

Salary: $15.00/hr – $18.00/hr
Summary of Occupation

This is an hourly non-exempt position that reports directly to the Program Supervisor at the residential site. The Direct Care Counselor is responsible for the care and supervision of clients at the group home. They are required to establish a positive, supportive relationship with clients and ensure that they maintain a therapeutic, warm, homelike atmosphere at the residential program. It is their duty to report and document any and all incidences that occur at the residential programs or community. At all times, they must maintain a positive working relationship with all supervisory, support, peer and other Brian’s House employees and conduct themselves in a professional manner while adhering to all Brian’s House, federal, state policies and procedures. Duties and Responsibilities:

1.  Responsible for safety, health and wellbeing of clients at all times.
2. Maintain proper levels of supervision for clients at all times as stipulated in the ISP and/or Management.
3. Provide assistance, instructions and guidance toward client independence in such areas as dressing, washing,
   feeding, personal hygiene, tooth brushing, toileting, social interactions, effective/appropriate communications
   techniques, etc.
4. Responsible for preparing meals, feeding clients and providing close supervision and quality interaction during
   meal times.
5. Responsible for housekeeping tasks including but not limited to making beds, sorting laundry, dusting, cleaning,
   organizing clients and maintaining neat and orderly arrangement of client’s personal belongings residential
   program.
6. Assist in shopping for supplies for the clients and the program and maintain accountability of resident’s funds,
   petty cash (must keep and submit receipts to supervisor/Team Leader).
7. Participate in individual and/or group recreational and/or social activities based upon the particular needs of
   assigned clients.
8. Transport clients to and from day program, medical appointments, social and recreational activities. Supervise
   clients and maintain proper levels of supervision while out in the community or day programming.
9. Serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary team, making recommendations for the development and/or
   implementation of ISP’s designed to meet the individual goals set for assigned clients.
10. Responsible for fulfilling mandatory training requirements at specified times as per 6400 regulations. Must
    ensure that required licenses and certifications are valid and current, this includes but is not limited to CPR, First
    Aid and Driver’s License.
11. Upon completion of proper training, administer routine first-aid treatment, CPR and medication to clients as
    needed and document and report any and all client health related concerns to appropriate persons.
12. Complete daily documentation and any pertinent forms as required, this includes but is not limited to trip
    accountability form, overnight sleep charts, daily logs, health care logs, vehicle logs, communication book,
    incident reports etc.
13. Responsible to document seizures, accidents/injuries and maladaptive behaviors on the appropriate forms and
    forward forms to appropriate person/department within designated timeframes.
14. Chaperone individuals as assigned for scheduled medical appointments, ER visits, social and recreational trips etc. Responsible for the supervision, safety, welfare and whereabouts of assigned clients at all times.
15. Relay daily (written and oral instructions) regarding shift/clients to co-workers on succeeding shift.
16. Relays emergency information to the appropriate person when assistance is needed in a timely manner.
17. Responsible to obtain required health screenings as required by regulatory agencies and Brian’s House, Inc. policies.
18. Responsible to maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality on the assigned shift.
19. Ensures compliance to federal, state and local licensing and accreditation regulations.
20. Have awareness of and comply with all Brian’s House policies and procedures.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. High School Diploma or GED required.
2. Current and valid driver’s license
3. At least one (1) year experience in a residential care facility or equivalent preferred.
4. Knowledge of practical aspects of the training and care of mentally disabled individuals preferred.
5. Must be able to read, write, enter dates and follow verbal/written directions, prepare written reports and
   complete written forms in English.
6. Must be able to verbally communicate in English and direct clients, respond to clients’ needs.
7. Must be 18 years of age and must be able to verbally communicate emergency information in English over the
   phone.
8. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, be agile, physically pursue clients on foot, physically restrain,
   bend, squat, stretch, reach, push up, and stand for several hours at a time.