Provide direct service and daily routine and episodic personal care in a complex program model designed to meet the needs of individuals who have both medical needs and developmental disabilities. Provide assistance with activities of daily living and administer medication under Medication Administration Program (MAP) guidelines. Assist program in meeting and maintaining high quality standards and provide value to the clients. Ensure a safe and clean environment.

Create an environment in which family, friends, and others important in the lives of individuals are welcome, respected, and valued.

• Provide assistance with activities of daily living according to each individual’s treatment plan and ISP that includes, but is not limited to, community membership, community relationships, vital signs, laundry, toileting, showering, dressing, shaving, wound care, foot care, skin checks, and passive range of motion exercises, as needed or ordered by primary care provider.

• Monitor and observe individuals served for any changes in physical, mental, or emotional status. Report any changes to Program Director.

• Store, administer, document, and dispose of clients’ medications consistent with MAP requirements, funding source regulations, and if applicable, company policy. Ensure program compliance with MAP protocols.

• Take and document individual’s temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure; and provide skin care, toileting and passive range of motion exercises as ordered by primary care provider.

• Assist and/or accompany individual’s in attending regular medical and other appointments.

• Act as an advocate for individuals.

• Create an environment, including individual’s room and common area, that is safe, clean, welcoming, and respectful to individuals, families, and neighbors. Ensures that environment meets all safety and regulatory standards.

• Transport, assist, and accompany individuals served to medical, dental, and other appointments as directed by shift/program manager/administrator.

• Work effectively and safely with assistive equipment that includes, but is not limited to, wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, and other medical equipment. Maintain individuals served medical equipment and supplies that include, but are not limited to, wheelchairs, walkers, and Hoyer lifts. 

• Work effectively and safely with medical equipment that includes, but is not limited to, glucometers, nebulizers, oxygen.

• Adhere to all company and divisional and program specific policies and procedures, including safe work practices, workers’ compensation, universal precautions, and exposure control. Comply with accreditation and licensing standards, as well as regulations.

• Participate in community meetings, trainings, attend supervision meetings, staff meetings, and team meetings as requested.

• Assist with orientation of new staff.

• Document services provided to individuals as required by Vinfen policy.

• Complete all service delivery, MAP, and administrative documentation in a thorough and timely manner.

• Contribute to program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.

• Use crisis intervention techniques, as necessary. Access on-call back up, when needed.

• Ensure maintenance and safety of physical site.

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of developmental disabilities

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues

• Ability to accurately and effectively communicate verbally

• Ability to accurately and effectively document nursing care provided

• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues

• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources

• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques

• Knowledge of teaching modalities

• Ability to balance competing priorities

• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions

• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity

• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment

• Knowledge of documentation standards requirements

• Sensitivity to the cultural religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues

• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources

• Knowledge and use of different communication and learning styles

• Extensive knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices

• Ability to balance competing judgments and decisions

• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity

• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment

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.

Job Requirements:

One or two years of job-specific experience in human services field preferred

Education Requirements:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. 

Driving Requirements:

May be called on to drive for Vinfen using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. 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, which is subject to annual checks. If driving, must maintain a safe driving record. If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance.

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 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 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 Post Hire:

CPR required within two weeks of hire

First Aid required within two weeks of hire

MAP required within 150 days of hire

Safety Care required within 90 days of hire

Required Credentials/Licenses:

Current Certified Home Health Aide Certification (CHHA) in state of service required