Residential Counselor

Residential Counselor

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 Counselorposition.

An Overview

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 ideal candidate should have Foundational knowledge of supporting adults with developmental disabilities in ways that promote individual choice, community inclusion, and self-determination. This includes familiarity with person-centered practices, the use of respectful and universal language, and positive behavioral support strategies.

Candidates should understand techniques that foster meaningful relationships, community engagement, and participation in recreational and social activities. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, including the ability to build effective working relationships with individuals, families, and colleagues, as well as the ability to communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats.

Having a solid understanding of coordinating and maintaining a large household is important, along with knowledge of mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and developmental delays, and the role residential support services play in enhancing quality of life. The ideal candidate demonstrates empathy for the challenges individuals may face and can recognize behaviors that signal a potential crisis. Additional abilities include teaching basic living skills, identifying progress and learning needs, gaining cooperation in difficult situations, and exercising sound independent judgment within established policies, regulations, and guidelines.

The Opportunity

• Support residents in developing and carrying out individualized service plans grounded in person-centered practices.
• Provide instruction and guidance to help residents build skills in daily living activities, including personal hygiene, household cleaning, laundry, financial management, planning social and leisure activities, grocery shopping, meal preparation, making healthy choices related to nutrition and safety, and accessing community resources. Transport residents using a city vehicle as needed.
• Observe and/or administer medications in accordance with guidelines, monitor residents’ medication management, and promptly report any concerns to the support team or supervisor.
• Monitor, assess, and document resident progress through clear and accurate written progress notes.
• Complete all required assessment documents to support the development of person-centered service plans; prepare progress notes and incident reports; and maintain clinical records in compliance with licensing and Medicaid regulations.
• Ensure routine cleaning and maintenance of both interior and exterior areas, submit maintenance requests for needed repairs, and follow up to confirm completion.
• Attend supervisory and staff meetings on a regular basis.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

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 use disorders.

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. Employees in this class must possess a valid driver's license issued in the state of their residence.

At least three (3) years of recent experience working in a residential setting with adults with developmental disabilities. Must have basic computer skills and be able to work nights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather when required.

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; education/certifications; and driver’s license.

Schedule: Sunday – Wednesday 11:00PM - 9:00AM