Awake Overnight Residential Counselor - Milton, Massachusetts, United States

Overview · As an Awake Overnight 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 fam ...

Job description

Overview

As an Awake Overnight 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.

Awake Overnight Counselors have a range of duties including administrating medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAP), implementing treatment plans, and assisting people with activities of daily living.

Additional responsibilities include nightly cleaning and filing.

Responsibilities

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

• Assist in implementing treatment programs, including ISP/ PSTPs and clinical programs. May participate in treatment planning process.

• Maintain records for persons served. Collect behavior and academic data and maintain progress notes. Document all information related to incidents, programs and routine activities in a communication log.

• Provide training and support to persons served in completing ADLs, including showering, personal hygiene, dressing and household chores. Conduct fire and safety training for persons served and document in training log.

• Monitor physical and emotional needs, and report changes to supervisor.

• Store, administer, document and dispose of medication for persons served consistent with MAP requirements, funding source regulations and Company policy. 

• Participate in all mandated training and staff meetings as directed by the Site Manager. Assist with the orientation of new staff. Ensure compliance with all internal and external regulatory bodies.

• Comply with all corporate and divisional policies and procedures, including safe work practices, worker's compensation, universal precautions and exposure control.

• Perform hands-on tasks in the program as required, in order to facilitate implementation of support plans. Ensure program site safety and maintenance as necessary. This may include general housekeeping, snow shoveling and garbage removal. Provide transportation as necessary.

• Ensure required staff to person served ratio is maintained at all times. Must perform last minute coverage as required.

• Provide physical intervention and/or first aid in the event of behavior or medical emergency. Serve as a reporter to the Disabled Persons Protections Commission.

• Must remain awake, alert and dressed throughout the entire shift. 

• Perform other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge and use of different communication styles

• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques

• Knowledge of participatory planning techniques

• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques

• Teaching skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability and gender issues

• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques

• Knowledge of required physical personal management skills

• Knowledge of required household management skills

About Vinfen

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.

Qualifications

Typical Requirements:
Three months to one year experience in a related function.

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 hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire 
MAP required within 150 days of hire 
Awake Overnight Counselor - DSD 3
PBS Tier 1 required within 150 days of hire
Safety Care required within 90 days of hire