Vinfen

Brain Injury Counselor II

Location US-MA-Somerville
ID 2025-4162
Position Type
Full-Time
Hybrid
No
Salary
USD $24.00/Hr.
Monday
9am-5pm
Tuesday
9am-5pm
Wednesday
9am-5pm
Thursday
9am-5pm
Friday
9am-5pm

Overview

The BICC Counselor II provides individual and group support to the members of the Brain Injury Community Center (BICC). Through assessment and development of Action Plan goals, works in partnership with Center members to improve life skills and self-determination within the established work areas of the Center, as well as in social and 
community activities. In addition, BICC Counselor II positions provides specific expertise for and/or leadership in one or more Center work areas, including Employment/Education (EE) area; Communication, Art, and Social Recreation (CASR) area; Intake, Orientation, Outreach, and Housing (IOOH) area; and/or Health, Wellness, and Life Skills (HWLS) area.

Responsibilities

• Functions as an advisor for Center members. Assesses, develops, and implements Action Plans with members in the work or social area of their choice.
• Promotes a supportive and empowering services environment in which members learn to advocate for themselves, make their own choices, take risks, and assume additional responsibilities.
• Communicates and reinforces the Center culture and philosophy to the membership as well other involved providers, community resources, and employer partners. In partnership with membership and staff, develops, implements, and supports all Center policies and procedures.
• Assists members in linking to other community services and resources.
• As a Center generalist, provides support to Center members in all work areas: teaches; coaches; facilitates and supports (instruction, assistance, modeling, and reinforcement) skill development for all work area 
members. Provides meaningful work opportunities within the work area and encourage membership participation in all work area activities. May plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of work area services.
• Maintains program records for members to meet the standards set forward by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC). Support Center members in documenting progress on their Action Plan 
if they choose to do so. If member chooses to not document progress, ensure proper documentation is recorded and reported to MRC according to required timelines. 
• Attends trainings and conferences related to performance enhancement and professional growth.
• Participates in staff meetings, training, and supervision. Provides assistance in the orientation of new staff and members. Maintains on-going communication with supervisor and co-workers to promote the reliable functioning of the Center.
• Helps maintain physical site.
• Help plan, and participate in, Center events.
• Learns, enforces, and adheres to all Center, divisional, and company policies and procedures.
• Provides coverage/assistance as needed to support Center work units, program activities both off site and on site, completion of day to day program requirements, and general upkeep and maintenance of the Center.
• Occasional weekend, evening, and holiday coverage is a requirement for all Center positions.
• Assists with ADL care when necessary. 
• Provides specific expertise for and/or leadership in one or more Center work areas, including Employment/Education (EE) area; Communication, Art and Social Recreation (CASR) area; Intake, Orientation, Outreach and Housing (IOOH) area; and/or Health, Wellness and Life Skills (HWLS)
area. See below for position specific requirements.
• Performs other duties as needed.

 

Additional duties for Center Counselor II Education staff:
• Creates and implements assessment tools to determine member’s education needs.
• Devises and implements curriculum to meet each member’s educational Action Plan goals, (e.g., furthering post-secondary education, obtaining GED, participating in training programs, improving basic educational skills)
• Uses the internet for on-line courses and teaching tools.
• Provides training and supervision for program tutors.
• Conducts classes on a group basis, and tutors on an individual basis.
• Coordinates skills training and educational opportunities for members.
• Establishes affiliations with colleges and universities (e.g., ESOL programs, adult literacy programs and vocational training programs, etc.).
• Promotes and provides opportunities for peer leadership within the Center and in the community.

 

Additional duties for Center Counselor II Intake, Outreach, and Housing staff:
• Manages Intake, Orientation, Outreach, and Housing work area. Provides guidance and supervision to area staff and members while working to develop and coordinate Center orientation, outreach, and housing efforts.
• Acts as liaison to prospective members, as assigned - arranges and performs intake procedures, conducts initial assessments.
• Ensures that the intake of prospective Center members is completed in a timely, professional manner; arrange and perform intake procedures.
• Monitors the quality and timely completion of all Action Plans. Helps members develop and Implement their Action Plans, as assigned. Assists supervisor with reporting Action Plan data to MRC.
• Serves as a resource for family and friends of members, neighbors, public officials, and other providers.
• Acts as a resource and reference for Center members on issues pertaining to housing and community participation.

 

Additional duties for Center II Health, Wellness and Life Skills staff:
• Consults, supervises, creates, and implements new and innovative opportunities for Center members to utilize their culinary skills.
• Coordinates the planning, preparation, and presentation of nutritionally balanced meals in collaboration with members and staff of the Center.
• Monitors food unit supply inventory and budget with a mindfulness towards purchasing the freshest, healthiest, and most competitively priced products.
• Provides direct training and support (instruction, assistance, modeling, and reinforcement) for Center members in the culinary arts skills area.
• Maintains culinary work unit to meet health and sanitation as defined by the ServeSafe Certification standards.

 

Knowledge and Skills:
• Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills, as well as participatory planning techniques. Knowledge of Center standards and practices
• Knowledge of principles, values, and practices related to brain injury services.
• Strong organizational and writing skills.
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices and documentation standards.
• Knowledge and use of different learning and communication styles
• Knowledge of empowerment, person centered planning and self-advocacy principles. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to provide a positive role model for work and learning.
• Knowledge of available community resources, jobs and educational opportunities Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity.
• Knowledge of personal computers applications and equipment.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
• Knowledge of use of reasonable accommodation law and advocacy techniques.

 

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 www.vinfen.org/careers.

 

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:
One to three years’ experience in human services field required. Advanced training, experience, or professional credentials are required for Center Counselor II positions. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training
 
Preferred /Required Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. 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 PS with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, 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.
 
Additional Certifications Required:
CPR required within two weeks of hire 
First Aid required within two weeks of hire 
Safety Care is required within 90 days of hire
ServeSafe required within six months of hire required for Center Counselor II Health and Wellness positions
 
 

Pay Range

USD $24.00 - USD $24.00 /Hr.

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