Residential Counselor

REQUIREMENTS:

· Bachelor’s Degree coupled with one-year experience providing direct care to individuals with I/DD in a behavioral health or institutional setting, OR a High School Diploma or equivalent, coupled with 3 years’ experience providing direct care to individuals with I/DD in a behavioral health or institutional setting

· Valid unrestricted driver’s license with a good driving record

· Ability to lift and transfer at least 50 pounds

· The ability to sit, stand, bend, squat, reach, be agile, physically pursue individuals on foot and stand for several hours at a time

· Must be able to read, write and verbally communicate in English and direct/respond to individual’s needs

· At least 21 years of age or older

· Basic computer Literacy

REQUIRED SKILL LEVEL:

· The ability to safely and effectively execute all Crisis Management Techniques

· The ability to exercise good judgment

· The ability to remain calm in crisis situations.

· The ability to interact with a wide range of people with respect.

· The ability to approach daily work from a person-centered vantage point.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

1. Works their assigned shift as instructed and may be asked to cover other shifts as directed by management.

2. Provide community integration via focused recreational activities.

3. Provides assistance with activities of daily living and all other aspect of program operation with respect, dignity and within the youth’s rights.

4. Provide direct youth supervision, including 1:1 supervision as needed, by staying awake, alert and engaged in the program on all shifts.

5. Providing medication monitoring and complete documentation of same following procedures outlined in the operations manual.

6. Assures that the daily program schedule, behavior support systems and treatment interventions occur and are properly documented in accordance with the individuals’ treatment plans and as directed by management.

7. Accurately and within given timeframes completes documentation of all required documentation as assigned.

8. Collect and record data and accurately completes all in-house documentation including but not limited to Vehicle Log, goal tracking, UIR forms, Critical Information Log, Medication Administration Reports (MARs), and Monthly reports.

9. Successfully completes required residential training including but limited to: CPR and First Aid; Crisis Management; Medication Administration; Preventing Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation; New Hire Orientation; Shifting Expectations-Changes in Perception, Life Experience & Services; Life Threatening Emergencies (Danielle’s Law); Stephen Komninos’ Law; Corporate Compliance; In House Orientation; Overview of Childhood Diagnoses; Principles of Behavior Management; Alcohol, Tobacco, & Substance Abuse; Human Sexuality and Aids; Suicide Prevention; and HIPAA.

10. Completes annual training, including role specific trainings relative to Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement.

11. Accompanies individuals to and from appointments and activities per their treatment plans and as assigned.

12. Assists program management to builds a positive support network between the individuals, families, case managers, stakeholders, and community members.

13. Encourages and ensures that individuals maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment providing hands-on assistance as needed.

14. Actively participates in the youth’s admissions and treatment team meetings as assigned.

15. Other duties as assigned.

INITIATIVE REQUIRED:

Fulfillment of the job responsibilities takes place in the residence and in the community. Work is reviewed by the supervisor according to the policies of Allies, Inc. This review includes such things as random site visits, systematic assessments, and employee evaluations.

Residential staff must be able to effectively implement interventions with individuals with disabilities in public environments, exercise patience, work with a flexible schedule and respond to crisis situations. On certain occasions it may be necessary for you to work at a different location other than your home base – this is a requirement of your employment. The position also requires the full use of good judgment and common sense during daily affairs, whether at or away from the residence. Professional communication and appropriate language, whether written or oral, is essential in everyday activities. This communication may be with any person involved in the life of the individuals living in the home. Ingenuity and creativity must be utilized when determining the best training methods, assistance and supports for an individual.

It is not the intent of this job description to cover all of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The aforementioned are some of the important areas of responsibility and are intended to convey a general understanding of the position.