Part-time Residential Counselor

Residential Counselor

Direct Support Professional

(2 Part-Time Positions)

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Residential Counselor positions.

An Overview

The Residential Counselor / Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct support services to individuals with developmental disabilities in a residential program, completes assessments, and writes daily progress notes and incident reports. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) supervises the daily living activities of individuals in a group home setting and guides residents in the development and implementation of their person-centered plans. The DSP will perform job duties within the framework of Departmental Policy, City of Alexandria Administrative Regulations, State of Virginia Human Rights guidelines, HCBS Rights Requirements, other applicable State and Federal Policies/Guidelines and accepted best practices guidelines.

What You Should Bring

The Residential Counselor will have Some knowledge of providing supports to adults with developmental disabilities that promote individual choice, community integration, and self-determination. Some knowledge of person centered practices, universal language and positive behavioral supports. Some knowledge of using strategies/techniques to facilitate development of meaningful relationships, community connections and recreational and social activities; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families and co-workers; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. Good knowledge of large household coordination and maintenance; Good knowledge of the nature of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or developmental delay and the role of residential support services; demonstrate empathy for the challenges of people with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or developmental delay; Ability to identify behavior which indicates movement toward a crisis situation; Ability to provide instruction in basic living skills and to identify progress and learning requirements; Ability to obtain the cooperation of clients in difficult situations; Ability to use independent judgment within established policies, regulations, and guidelines.

The Opportunity

• Supports residents in the development and implementation of an individualized service plan that reflects person centered practices;
• Instructs and guides residents in the completion of tasks to assist with the development of skills in: completion of daily living skills and tasks including personal hygiene; managing finances; planning social and leisure activities; making healthy choices for health, nutrition and safety; and accessing the community;
• Monitors medication management of residents by observation and/or administration, as applicable, and reports concerns to support team and/or supervisor;
• Monitors, evaluates and records residents’ progress through written progress notes;
• Completes all applicable assessment documents to develop person centered service plans; writes progress notes and incident reports. Maintain clinical records following all applicable licensing and Medicaid regulations;
• Ensures interior and exterior routine cleaning, maintenance and reports repairs needed via the maintenance request system and follows up to ensure completion;
• Attends supervisory and staff meetings on a regular basis;
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department
The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

High School Diploma or GED plus completion of post-high-school training/education pertaining to behavioral health, medical health, substance abuse and/or mental health; at least one year of direct work experience with individuals served by the specific program where the position is located (Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, and/or Substance Abuse/Dependence); or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

At least three years of recent experience working in a residential setting with adults with developmental disabilities. Must possess basic computer skills; The ability to work nights, weekends, holidays when required.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment checks to include: FBI Criminal Record Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Drug Testing; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Driver's License from state of residence and education/certifications.

Schedule: Saturday, 7:00AM - 3:00PM and Sunday, 7:00AM - 3:00PM. As an Essential Employee, staff will be expected to be at work during weekends, holidays, or inclement weather if they have been scheduled.