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.
Residential Counselor – Developmental Disabilities (Onsite)
Support people with developmental disabilities in Vinfen residential programs. Promote independence, self-advocacy, community participation, and daily living skills.
Description
- Deliver individual and group support within a residential program
- Teach skills that promote independence, self-advocacy, and quality of life
- Maintain a safe, secure, and clean home environment
- Encourage community integration, friendships, family involvement, and participation
- Help individuals connect with community-based services and resources
- Organize recreational and social activities that foster inclusion and emotional well-being
- Facilitate access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment
- Support employment, volunteer work, and other community involvement
- Provide training and assistance with rehabilitation, behavior support, appointments, money management, activities of daily living, shopping, meal planning, cooking, and household tasks
- Carry out hands-on responsibilities required by individual support plans
- Provide transportation when needed
- Evaluate physical and emotional condition and report changes to the supervisor
- Track and safeguard individual funds
- Maintain records, progress notes, behavioral and academic data, communication logs, incident reports, and activity schedules
- Procure, store, administer, document, and dispose of medications in accordance with MAP requirements and organizational policies
- Coordinate with program nurses, case managers, the Visiting Nurses Association, families, and other relevant parties
- Attend required training sessions and staff meetings
- Follow applicable regulatory policies, procedures, and standards
- Complete home safety and maintenance duties, including housekeeping, snow removal, and trash disposal
- Cover shifts at other homes or programs as assigned
- Serve as a human rights advocate and provide physical intervention or First Aid during emergencies
- Help develop, implement, and document ISP/PSTPs and clinical programs
Requirements
- Applicants with at least one year of related experience or training are encouraged to apply
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Valid US driver's license must be presented at hire
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Valid US driver's license must have been held for at least six months
- Adequate insurance and a safe driving history required when using a personal vehicle
- Must pass a driver's screening background check
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, sit, reach, use stairs, and navigate narrow spaces or hallways
- Ability to lift at least 25 pounds with proper technique or use a two-person lift
- Ability to help clients with activities of daily living
- Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives
- Ability to use a computer, calculator, copier, and printer
- CPR certification required within two weeks of hire
- First Aid certification required within two weeks of hire
- MAP certification required within 150 days of hire
- PBS Tier 1 certification required within 150 days of hire
- Safety Care certification required within 90 days of hire
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
- Knowledge of advocacy, empowerment, self-advocacy, participatory planning, crisis intervention, personal management, and household management techniques
- Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender-related issues
Benefits
- Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan with no employee contribution required
- Employee-funded 403(b) retirement plan
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible employees scheduled for at least 30 hours weekly
- 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 qualifying employees
- Flexible spending reimbursement accounts for health and dependent care
- Voluntary term life, whole life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
- Paid time off for employees scheduled to work at least 20 hours weekly