Residential Counselor (3822)

## Description

**Position Overview**

The **Residential Counselor** plays a vital role in developing and implementing **Individual Support Plans (ISPs)** and providing **direct care, training, and support** to residents. This includes:

• Assisting with **personal care** and **daily living activities**
• Implementing **behavior plans, medical protocols, and interventions**
• Supporting **vocational and community-based activities**

• All positions require **physical assistance** (e.g., lifting, transfers, emergency restraint).
• **Essential Duties & Responsibilities**
• **Resident Support & Care**

• Provide **direct care and supervision** in areas such as:
• Medical, dental, and personal care
• Social and communication skills
• Meal preparation and household management
• Travel training and financial management
• Religious practice (if desired)
• Implement, develop, and review **Individual Support Plans (ISPs)** and track progress.
• Assist residents in **abiding by housing rules** set by residents, landlords or Housing Authorities in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Transport residents to **activities and medical appointments**.
• Utilize **Positive Behavioral Supports** to promote resident well-being.
• Maintain **resident dignity and rights** in accordance with policies.
• Assist in **advocacy and training** related to human rights.

**Administrative & Compliance Duties**

• Complete **required documentation and reporting** in a timely manner per agency policies.
• Lead **weekly house meetings** to discuss:
• Recreation and meal planning
• House rules and general concerns
• Resident successes
• Maintain **financial records** for residents and program funds that align with regulatory requirements and agency policies.
• Obtain and maintain **state certification in medication administration** within the first six months.
• Adhere to **DDS and CRC regulations** regarding behavior management, emergency interventions and work policy.

**Awake Overnight Counselors (Additional Responsibilities)**

• Provide **personal care and health monitoring** while remaining **awake and alert**.
• Perform **housekeeping tasks** as assigned.
• Provide **emergency coverage** when necessary (not exceeding 70 hours/week without approval).

• **Required Skills & Competencies**
• **Core Skills**

• **Interpersonal Skills:** Builds positive relationships with residents, staff, and families.
• **Teamwork:** Works collaboratively to achieve department and agency goals.
• **Dependability:** Completes tasks accurately and consistently.
• **Communication:** Effectively conveys information in oral and written formats.
• **Planning & Organization:** Manages multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• **Initiative:** Demonstrates problem-solving skills and independent thinking.
• **Data Collection & Reporting:** Gathers and documents data accurately.

**Professional Responsibilities**

• Adheres to **company policies and procedures**.
• Maintains **attendance and punctuality** standards.
• Supports and enforces **agency objectives** through leadership and conduct.

## Qualifications
**Qualifications**

• **Education:** GED or equivalent.
• Experience working with **individuals with developmental disabilities** is a plus.
• **Valid driver’s license.**
• Successful completion of state and agency-mandated training:
• **First Aid/CPR** (within first month of employment)
• **DDS Medication Administration Certificate** (within first six months)
• **Safety Care/Legal Certificate** (within first six months)
• **DPPC/Fire Safety/Human Rights/Universal Precautions Certificate** (upon hire)
• **New Hire Orientation,** including completion of CORE Curriculum (within first three months)
• Knowledge of **Positive Behavioral Supports** is preferred.
• Strong **oral and written communication skills.**
• Must consent to a **Criminal History Background Check (CORI)** and release of information from agencies such as the **Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)** and **Department of Developmental Services (DDS).**
• Must be able to perform essential duties with reasonable accommodation.
• Proficiency in **Microsoft Office applications**.

**Language Skills**

• Must be **fluent in English**.
• Ability to **read, interpret, and write** reports and safety guidelines.
• Effective **verbal communication** with residents, families, and staff.

**Physical Demands**

• **Regularly required** to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• **Frequent use of hands** for tasks and reaching.
• Ability to **lift and maneuver up to 100 lbs** (assistance provided when possible).
• Ability to lift:
• **Up to 30 lbs** (floor to waist)
• **10-15 lbs** (waist to overhead)

**Reasoning Ability**

• Ability to **follow detailed written and oral instructions**.
• Strong **problem-solving skills** for daily responsibilities.