Residential Counselor

Job Summary

Work in a home environment, helping individuals develop connections and meaningful relationships in their community.   Support individuals with developing new skills so they can be independent, happy, and successful.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

1. Help individuals identify and develop interests and hobbies.  Facilitate community relationships and friendships which align with individuals’ interests.
2. Empower individuals to advocate, make decisions, and become more independent in their homes and communities.  
3. Assist individuals to complete personal care tasks, which include, but are not limited to toileting, showering/bathing, grooming, personal hygiene, assisting with mobility, repositioning, dressing, and range of motion exercises. 
4. Support individuals in the completion of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) tasks, which include but are not limited to cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, shopping, and money management. 
5. Use supportive and adaptive, health-related protections/equipment as prescribed.  
6. Assist in the development and implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISP’s) including implementation of behavioral plans and medication treatment plans. 
7. Follow the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies (when applicable), which include, but are not limited to training requirements, medication administration, medication security, and corresponding documentation.
8. Utilize Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) practices to create a thoughtful and supportive environment by ensuring activities, plans, and routines reflect the preferences, needs, and goals of individuals. 
9. Learn and utilize communication tools which include but are not limited to email, tablets, and letter boards, taking into consideration the method most suited to individual needs.  Communicate in the preferred method and language of those you provide support.
10. Assist with access to community, including transportation as needed, to individuals served to access community.  Examples include but are not limited to transporting individuals served to and from day programs, work, medical appointments, to family and friends visits, and other recreation and leisure activities as assigned. 

A full list of duties is available upon request.  

Job Requirements

To perform this position successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily.   The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.   

• Knowledge of the theories, methods, procedures, and practices of working with individuals with developmental and/or physical disabilities. 
• Demonstrates proficiency in English, both in writing and verbally.
• Demonstrates ability to conduct, review, and interpret assessments and medical treatments.
• Ability to practice safe driving.  
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work within Microsoft Office products.  

Education/Licensure Requirements 

• High school diploma or equivalency. 
• Certified Nursing Assistant, Associate’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license in state of residence, a satisfactory driving record, and at least 3 years of driving experience.  Ability to show proof of valid driver’s license upon hire and thereafter as requested.   
• In instances where employees are asked to use their own vehicle to drive/transport individuals served, the appropriate automobile insurance coverage on their vehicle will be required to be shown upon hire and annually maintained thereafter.   

Physical Requirements

This list offers the most common factors, which may vary based on the specific location and population in which the employee is working.  Applicants may request a written, definitive list of the physical requirements for the role they are applying by emailing askrecruit@bamsi.org.  

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and maneuver up to 25 - 75 pounds.  Lifting requirements will increase as the complexity of the residential home increases and depending on the specific needs of person served.  
• Ability to reach, bend, stand, sit, and walk.
• Repetitive and substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.  
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; reading.   
• Work effectively in a moderate to occasionally loud work environment. 

Benefits Available

We strive to offer valuable benefits that promote a healthy work/life balance and add value to our employees’ lives.  Our comprehensive benefits* include:

• Generous Time Off Package
  • Up to 4 weeks combined vacation, personal, and cultural time 
  • 12 paid holidays
  • Up to 2 weeks sick time
• 403(b) plan with discretionary match
• Health and dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance 
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• An array of voluntary benefits including vision, legal, accident, and critical illness insurance
• Wellness Activities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Highly Specialized Paid Trainings including opportunity to earn CEUs
• Career Development Opportunities

*Benefit eligibility is based off weekly scheduled hours. 

BAMSI is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  We encourage individuals who believe they have skills and the potential to grow to apply for this role.  At BAMSI we are committed to developing talent.

Applicants needing an accommodation for completing an application form, interviewing, or any part of the employment process may email askrecruit@bamsi.org.