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

• Provide training to persons served as determined by family/guardian and person served. This includes fire and safety regulations, shopping, money management, cooking, meal planning, household chores, ADLs, self-medication and other areas. Monitor residents’ proficiency in these skills. Perform hands-on tasks in the program as required, in order to facilitate implementation of support plans.

• Assist persons served in becoming fully integrated into their communities.

• Monitor residents’ physical and emotional needs, and report changes to Vinfen supervisor and Family/Guardian.

• Escort persons served into the community using public transportation, company or personal vehicle, as necessary.

• Provide transportation in personal vehicle, as necessary.

• Maintain records for persons served. Collect data as needed to track ISP goals.

• Participate in person specific and family specific training and supervision. Maintain on-going communication with both the Vinfen Supervisor and Family/Guardian supervisor.

• Implement service plan interventions with persons served.

• Provide direct training and support (instruction, assistance, modeling and reinforcement) for persons served in developing and enhancing their daily living skills, i.e. symptom, medication and money management, cooking, cleaning, recreational activities, personal hygiene, social and interpersonal skills, etc. as directed by the Family/Guardian.

• Act as an advocate for persons served.

• Report incidents to Vinfen supervisor, as required.

• Perform housecleaning tasks, as assigned.

• Provide coverage for the program as agreed upon with family, including overnights, days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Adhere to established policies and procedures of the Company and rules and regulations as determined by the Family/Guardian.

• Attend in-service trainings, as assigned.

• Perform other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques

• Knowledge and use of different communication styles

• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques

• Knowledge of participatory planning techniques

• Knowledge of required physical personal management skills

• Knowledge of required household management skills

• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques

• Teaching skills

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

• Ability to provide role model behaviors

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

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 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers

My Vinfen. My Community. My Job.

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.

Job Requirements:

Three months to one year experience in a related function.

Education Requirements:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

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 six months, 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

Other trainings, as required

Required Credentials/Licenses:

N/A