The Lead Counselor at the Art Connection Studio Day Program supports management in ensuring a high-quality service environment for our artists. Provides individual and group support to persons served in the Day Program. Teaches skills to enhance independence and self-advocacy and supports choices that contribute to living a good and meaningful life.

Work directly with persons served on an individual and group basis at the facility. Provide and enhance skills to persons served in a community setting, proviing instruction and guidance with various modelities of art media.

Ensures a safe, secure, and clean Day Program environment. Assists individuals in becoming full participants in their communities, while helping them to also develop and maintain social skills and the necessary skills needed for job placement, both at Day Programs and within the community. 

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed
below:
• Assists individuals attending Day Programs to become fully integrated into their communities, develop and maintain social skills, and develop skills needed for job placement, both at Day Programs and within the community.

• Work directly with persons served individually and in groups. Work to develop art skills for persons served.
• Provide coaching and training to persons served at Art Connection Studio. 
• Implement prescribed clinical, educational and vocational/employment programs.
• Responsible for specific data collection, quantify data, transfer to daily chart and perform bimonthly analysis of data.
• Maintain physical upkeep of the program area. Ensure equipment is used, cleaned and stored appropriately.
• Act as advocate for persons served in all areas. 
• Complete continuous training in applied behavioral analysis, teaching techniques and job coaching.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of modalities of art media

• Knowledge of applied behavioral analysis with special needs population, self-avocacy techniques
• Knowledge and use of different communication styles
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices
• Knowledge of required physical personal management skills
• Knowledge of required independent living management skills
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Knowledge of available community resources, job, and training opportunities
• Knowledge of documentation requirements
• Persuasive, collaborative, and participative skills
• Presentation skills
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to provide a positive role model

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.

Typical Requirements:
One to two years of experience/training in a related function. 

Preferred /Required Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Bachelor’s degree preferred. 

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 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. 

Required Certifications:
CPR required within two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
Medication certification (MAC) required within 90 days of hire
Safety Care required within 90 days of hire