POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the House Manager, the Residential Counselor is responsible for providing one-to-one direct care and support to the individuals living in group residences.  Provides residents with the training in skills areas to enable them to live in less supervised environments and become active members in their communities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:                 Bachelors’ degree or equivalent in a human services discipline (e.g., Psychology, Social Work, etc.)

Experience:               Two (2) years’ experience working with individuals with autism required if candidate only holds a high school diploma.  One (1) year related experience as noted above required if candidate holds as an Associates’ degree.

Skills:                         Must possess and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise patience, caring and concern in new and sometimes stressful situations. Strong organizational skills required to provide effective case management services to the assigned resident(s).              Computer literacy required, with competency in the use of standard business software applications (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet and e-mail software).

NATURE AND SCOPE

·         Works one-to-one with resident, assisting them with the activities of daily living:  teaching money management, housekeeping, cooking, personal care and hygiene, socialization with roommates and persons in the community, and appropriate use of leisure time.

·         Develops and maintains warm, clean, and safe home environment which is conducive to optimal development of the resident.  Assists resident with the selection of new or replacement furniture in the groups residence.

·         Implements the individual activity schedule of the resident.  Documents all activities on the weekly activity schedule. The individual activity schedule is designed to implement the IP.

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·         Participates in the development of the IP.  Implements the IP; alerts the Residential Supports Advisor  when the IP needs a review, prior to the annual review. Documents any changes to the resident's program in the approved IP prior to implementation.

·         Works with the House Manager to account for the individual monies of the resident.  Teaches money management techniques to residents who experience difficulties managing their personal funds.

                           REQUIRED TRAINING/PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

·         Completion and demonstration of techniques taught in the Behavioral Principles and Strategies Training (BPST).

·         Successfully complete annual recertification of the BPST.

·         Driver license, defensive driver training, must operate own vehicle and CSAAC vehicles as required.

                                                     PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.  The employee is required to reach with hands and arms.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. 

Employee must be able to effectively complete a non-adverse physical intervention with autistic individuals of varying heights, weights and levels of physical strength according to the guidelines presented in Behavioral Principles and Strategies training.

                                                     POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

EEO Job Group:       02 – Professionals

FLSA Status:             Non-exempt

Department:              Residential Supports

Grade Level:              N/A

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