Direct Support Counselor at Victory House: Sat. - Sun. 12pm - 6pm

## Overview We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. CATEGORY Direct Support Counselor | ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION | HART United is a private, non-profit organization located in North Haven, Connecticut. The agency provides support services, in a variety of settings, of more than 150 individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Connecticut. Inclusion and community supports have enabled our clients to become strong and independent citizens contributing to society and the community. We provide a variety of settings to individuals we serve, including group homes, independent living arrangements, respite care services, and community companion homes. | | --- | --- | THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. ## Description **GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:** The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for the operation of the residential facility and the implementation of the individuals' programs. The Direct Support Counselor shall provide support and guidance to the individuals and maintain a home-like atmosphere. The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for assigning, supervising, and assisting with duties for housekeeping and general duties of the house & complete cleaning tasks, as well as providing counseling and spiritual life support. Provide assistance to the individuals in developing and maintaining appropriate living skills and cooperative interaction among the individuals. **RESPONSIBILITIES WITH RESIDENTS:** The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for providing general guidance and supervision of individuals lives and activities. - - Ensure physical safety of all individuals - Be aware of individuals' whereabouts when at the home and away from the house - Recognize and report any suspected incidents of abuse or neglect. - Enforce house rules with individuals - Interact with and provide in-house leisure activities during down-time. The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for addressing each individuals IP goals. - - Providing input prior to meetings. - Attending IP's as needed - Implementing programs and documenting as prescribed - Reviewing all 6-month review and annual reports - Ensures that residents are treated with respect and dignity, and they are encouraged to exercise their rights. The Direct Support Counselor will be responsible for overseeing house operations. - - To supervise and provide instruction and assist or complete as needed with individuals daily and weekly chores. - To be aware of the condition of individuals rooms and to prompt them when extra cleaning, sorting, etc. needs to be done and to assist or complete. - To supervise and help prepare meals according to doctors' orders. - To supervise and instruct each individual in the use of laundry equipment and proper procedures for caring for clothes. You may have to assist or complete as needed. - Shopping for groceries, household items, and individual needs. - Hygiene Provide counseling and/or hands on assistance for toileting, bathing, etc. The Direct Support Counselor will have the following medical responsibilities: - - To provide medical attention to and care for minor illnesses (headache, cold, virus, minor injuries). - To be able to judge seriousness and urgency of the individual's complaint and to decide if the situation warrants emergency room treatment or diagnosis; physician appointment; nurse consultation; or home treatment. The Direct Support Counselor should contact administrative staff or medical consultants as appropriate. - Administration of medications per DDS regulations. - Ensure appropriate use of adaptive equipment and to ensure that said equipment is in proper working condition. - Order medications as needed Medical appointments: - - Ensure individuals receive nee…