Residential Counselor

As a Residential Counselor, you will provide direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. In your role you will work together with the people we serve, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to transform their lives by either building independence skills or increasing each person's quality of life.

Residential Counselors have a range of duties include administrating medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MED), implementing treatment plans, and assisting people with activities of daily living, such as household chores and cooking. You also strengthen residents' connection to their community by providing transportation on outings such as shopping and doctor's appointments.

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:
• Assists in developing, implementing, and documenting treatment, including ISP/IPs and clinical programs.
• Provides training and support to persons served. This includes rehabilitative interventions, behavioral interventions and monitoring, fire & safety regulations, appointment scheduling, money management, ADLs, grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking, household chores and other related areas. Perform hands-on tasks in the program as required in order to facilitate implementation of support plans.
• Assists individuals in becoming fully integrated into their communities. Assists residents with community-based support and resource services. Plans recreational and social activities to promote the emotional well-being of persons served and improve quality of life. This includes holiday and birthday parties, celebrations, outings, community travel, church activities, decorating, shopping and other related activities.
• Provides transportation, as necessary.
• Assesses residents' physical and emotional status, and report changes to supervisor. 
• Monitor residents' funds, as needed.
• Maintains records for persons served. Collects behavior and academic data and maintains progress notes. Enters information into electronic health record. Documents all information related to incidents, programs and routine activities in a communication log.
• Stores, administers, documents and disposes of medication for persons served consistent with MAC requirements, funding source regulations and Company policy. 
• Communicates with and provides information to interested parties such as program nurse, funding agency, case managers, other service providers, Visiting Nurses Association nurses, and physicians.
• Participates in all mandated training and staff meetings as directed by manager. Assists with the orientation of new staff. Ensures compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies.
• Ensures program site safety and maintenance as necessary at all times. This includes general housekeeping, lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and garbage removal.
• Complies with all corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers' compensation, universal precautions and exposure control.
• Completes various paperwork and logs and online data records including communication logs, community membership logs, chore schedules, timesheets, and application forms.
• Ensures required staff to consumer ratio is maintained at all times. Must perform last minute coverage, as required.
• Functions as human rights advocate. Provides physical intervention and/or first aid in the event of behavior or medical emergency. Serves as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.
• Maintains required certifications, reviews and replies to work emails, and follows all Vinfen administrative policies.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:
• 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 skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to learn and use online tools such as Microsoft Outlook and an electronic health record

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

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.

Typical Requirements:At least one year of experience and/or training in a related function is preferred. 

Preferred /Required Education:A high school diploma or equivalent is required. 

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 one year, and must be able to pass a driver's screening 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. For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Required Certifications:CPR required within two weeks of hireFirst Aid required within two weeks of hire MAC follows CT guidelinesSafety Care required within two weeks of hire