Vinfen is a nonprofit health and human services organization that has supported people and communities since 1977. Its community-based programs serve people living with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, autism, and other behavioral health challenges. Across more than 500 locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Vinfen delivers recovery and habilitation services, supported living, education and employment support, clinical and peer services, and crisis response. The organization serves approximately 14,000 people each year and brings together healthcare, social impact, and human services teams focused on advocacy, resilience, and self-determination. Its broader community work includes partnerships, volunteering, events, and fundraising.
Awake Overnight Residential Counselor
Support people with disabilities in Vinfen community residences during overnight shifts. Provide direct care, safety monitoring, daily living skills training, documentation, and medication support.
Description
- Oversee overnight activities in a community residence.
- Provide individual and group support to residents.
- Teach skills that promote independence and quality of life.
- Maintain a safe, secure, and clean residential setting.
- Help implement treatment plans, including ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs.
- Contribute to treatment planning when needed.
- Keep records, collect behavioral and academic data, and write progress notes.
- Log incidents, program activities, and routine events.
- Support residents with daily living activities such as bathing, hygiene, dressing, and household tasks.
- Conduct and record fire and safety training.
- Monitor residents’ physical and emotional well-being and report changes to a supervisor.
- Store, administer, record, and dispose of medication in line with MAC requirements, funding regulations, and company policy.
- Complete required training and staff meetings, and help orient new staff.
- Follow regulatory requirements and company policies.
- Handle practical program duties such as housekeeping, snow removal, taking out garbage, and transportation as needed.
- Maintain required staff-to-resident ratios and cover shifts at short notice.
- Provide physical intervention or first aid during behavioral or medical emergencies.
- Report concerns to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission.
- Stay awake, alert, and dressed for the full shift.
- Carry out other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Three months to one year of experience in a related role.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Present a valid driver’s license at the time of employment.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Maintain a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least six months.
- Have adequate insurance and a safe driving record when using a personal vehicle.
- Pass a driver screening background check.
- Obtain CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
- Obtain First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
- Obtain MAC certification in accordance with Connecticut guidelines.
- Complete Safety Care training within 60 days of hire.
- Understand and use different communication styles.
- Understand empowerment and self-advocacy methods.
- Understand participatory planning methods.
- Understand crisis intervention methods.
- Have teaching skills.
- Work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Show sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues.
- Understand and use advocacy methods.
- Know the required physical personal management skills.
- Know the required household management skills.
- Be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, sit, reach, use stairs, and move through narrow spaces or hallways.
- Be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two-person lift.
- Be able to use a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
- Be able to help clients with daily living tasks.
- Be able to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
- Have close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and be able to adjust focus.
Benefits
- Fully funded employer-sponsored 401(a) retirement plan with no employee contribution required.
- Employee-funded 403(b) plan.
- Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week.
- Employer contribution toward medical insurance costs.
- Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance.
- Employer-paid short-term disability insurance for eligible employees.
- Health and dependent care flexible spending reimbursement accounts.
- Optional term life, whole life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
- Generous paid time off for employees scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week.