The Senior Counselor (SC) works under the general administrative direction of the Program Manager and the PWDD Director. The SC abides by all agency policies, procedures, corporate compliance, mission, vision, etc. The SC practices the Code of Ethics and meets the expectations of the core competencies set by OPWDD/NADSP. The SC will foster/maintain an environment that promotes the health and safety of the persons served while recognizing that each individual has potential for lifelong learning and growth. The SC is responsible for the organization/implementation of daily living activities in the residential program inclusive of fiscal (PNA, clothing allowance, etc.) and medical support (appointments, med counts, med audits, etc). The SC will be responsible for attending Service Planning meetings as directed by or in absence of the Program Manager and communicate effectively with the support team. The Senior Counselor position will be assigned to a specific set of scheduled hours within the program as designated by the supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of persons served through various plans (Staff Action Plan, Life Plan, etc.) and assessments to evaluate, advocate, and support the individuals served.  

2. Promote and protect the health, safety, and emotional well-being of persons served by demonstrating knowledge and practice of the following: emergency medical plan, psychiatric emergency plan, emergency medical profile, fire evacuation plan as well as participation in evacuations.  

3. Respond appropriately to crisis/emergency situations in order to ensure/secure the safety/well-being of persons served. Response includes acting appropriately to severity of the situation, adherence to regulatory/agency guidelines, communication and documentation of situation to appropriate staff, honor the individual’s right to assume risk in an informed manner, etc. Prevent abuse and correctly follow procedures for responding and mandated reporting to Agency and Justice Center representatives/personnel as directed. Work with persons served and his/her support network to identify areas of risk and to create safeguards to these concerns.

4. Organize, implement, teach, and assist with daily living skills and activities for persons served by focusing on the individual first and understand that direct support will require flexibility, creativity, and commitment. This includes; however, is not limited to: teaching daily living skills, motivating persons served to perform daily living skills and achieving goals, providing recreational activities and social outings, etc.

5. Ensure the health and safety of individuals by demonstrating knowledge and practice of administering medications and other health treatments in accordance with OPWDD Regulations and Agency policies, practices, procedures, etc. 

6. Demonstrate knowledge of and consistently address challenging behaviors proactively, respectfully, and by avoiding the use of aversive or deprivation intervention techniques. Demonstrate understanding and practice of SCIP-R techniques.

7. Initiate, complete, read, and maintain respectful and professional communication with coworkers and supervisors in all forms to include; however, is not limited to: the use of Internet based applications, messages, all progress notes as well as hard copy tracking sheets, incident reporting procedures and other appropriate means both verbally and in writing, etc. All communication shall safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals served.

8. Complete routine housecleaning, meal preparation and other residential-type duties and tasks as assigned. This includes; however, is not limited to: assisting with menu planning, meeting dietary guidelines, grocery shopping, as well as food preparation and storage, etc. Also, report physical plant damage and needed repairs to manager; complete work orders as directed/appropriate.

9. As directed by supervisor, provide assistance and support with individual financial needs. This includes; however, is not limited to the management and documentation of personal needs allowance (PNA), clothing allowance, individual banking, etc.

10. Assist persons served in achieving desired outcomes, services, needs and/or wants. This includes; however, is not limited to: utilizing various techniques and processes to effectively advocate for individuals as well as promote self advocacy, recognizing the individual’s need for teachable moments and opportunities when they may not have access to opportunities and education, etc.

11. Demonstrate professionalism, diversity and inclusion by providing quality service/care with respect and dignity for the individuals served. 

12. Demonstrate professionalism and respect and an ability to work in a team environment with coworkers/supervisors and external stakeholders. This includes; however, is not limited to: assisting supervisor in the job development (onboarding) of new team members, securing coverage of the site as directed by supervisor, being flexible and cooperative with team, developing positive relationships with coworkers, supervisors, etc., maintaining professional boundaries with both individuals and all employees of Agency, practicing responsible work habits, modeling valued behaviors, etc.

13. Report to work on time and maintains regular attendance in accordance with Agency policies and practices. Attends department/team meetings, trainings, supervisions, etc. as scheduled and in accordance with agency practice and policy.

14. Perform other comparable and related duties as assigned.

High School Diploma or GED with two years of related experience in Human Services required. 

Employed/working as Direct Support Professional for minimally six months required.

Medication administration certification required. 

Computer skills and keyboarding familiarity required. Must be able to be reached by phone and have a vehicle to transport and complete agency business. 

Evidence of understanding and empathy for the PWDD population.

 Ability to be flexible and work in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills a must. 

Valid NYS Driver’s License required according to OPWDD/Agency regulations, policies, practices and procedures.