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.
Part-Time Residential Counselor, Brain Injury Services at Vinfen
Part-time Residential Counselor supporting safety, independence, and community participation for people with brain injuries. Vinfen delivers community-based health and human services in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Description
- Support individuals through one-to-one and group services in a residential brain injury program.
- Teach skills that promote independence, self-advocacy, and quality of life.
- Keep the residence safe, secure, clean, and properly maintained.
- Help residents participate in their communities, build friendships, and maintain family relationships.
- Connect individuals with community-based services and resources.
- Organize recreational and social activities that foster inclusion and emotional well-being.
- Help individuals access assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
- Encourage employment, volunteer work, and other forms of community involvement.
- Train and support individuals in rehabilitation and behavioral interventions, safety procedures, appointments, money management, activities of daily living, shopping, meal planning, cooking, and household tasks.
- Complete hands-on duties required to carry out support plans.
- Provide transportation when needed.
- Observe physical and emotional condition and report changes to the supervisor.
- Track personal funds and maintain required records, including behavioral and academic data, progress notes, communication logs, incident reports, and activity schedules.
- Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with MAP requirements, regulations, and organizational policies.
- Coordinate with program nurses, case managers, the Visiting Nurses Association, families, and other involved parties.
- Attend required training sessions and staff meetings.
- Follow applicable regulatory policies, procedures, and standards.
- Cover shifts at other homes or programs when assigned.
- Advocate for residents’ human rights and provide physical intervention or First Aid during emergencies.
- Report incidents to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission as required.
- Help develop, implement, and document treatment plans, ISP/PSTPs, and clinical programs.
- Handle housekeeping, snow removal, trash disposal, and other related tasks.
Requirements
- Preference will be given to candidates with at least one year of related experience or training.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- A valid US driver’s license is required at hire; candidates must be at least 21, have held the license for at least one year, and pass a driver screening background check.
- Anyone using a personal vehicle must maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record, subject to annual review.
- Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two-person lift, and assist clients with daily living activities.
- Must be able to use computers and office equipment such as calculators, copiers, and printers.
- Must be able to communicate with clients, staff members, and external representatives.
- CPR certification is required within two weeks of hire.
- First Aid certification is required within two weeks of hire.
- MAP certification is required within 150 days of hire.
- PBS Tier 1 certification is required within 150 days of hire.
- Safety Care certification is required within 90 days of hire.
- May be required to obtain CBIS certification.
- Knowledge and application of advocacy, empowerment, self-advocacy, participatory planning, crisis intervention, communication, household management, and physical personal management techniques are required.
- Must be able to work independently and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team.
- Must communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
- Must demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender-related concerns.