Lead Counselor

The Lead Counselor is responsible for assisting the Residence Manager in maintaining an effective behavior/habilitation program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Lead Counselor provides indirect supervision of, and assistance to, DSPs assigned to the residential program.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide supervision to DSPs and assist in the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the residence, including but not limited to meal preparation, maintaining a clean and safe environment, housekeeping duties, medication administration, reporting of all maintenance issues (in Fiix system), data collection, medical and behavioral events (in Precision Care).
• Assist with training existing and new employees on Opengate best practices and policies and procedures.
• Serves as a role model by utilizing the Core Competencies and the NADSP code of ethics, to be included in coaching and supervision with DSPs.
• Submit end of shift report of the daily events, which includes, but is not limited to: in-house activities, community inclusion, the use of PRN Medication, visitors, use of Restrictive SCIP-R physical techniques, and noteworthy updates related to the residence or people living in the residence.
• Establish procedures, policies and routines to promote the safety and well-being of the people supported, including ensuring that all people supported are properly clothed and clothing inventories are up to date.
• Monitor the behavior of people supported to ensure the safety of others.
• Assist people being supported with the handling and managing of their SSI funds, including personal shopping and recreation
• Provide oversight of Agency funds (e. g. petty cash) to ensure appropriate use of funds, including the utilization of tax exemption forms, and secure receipts.
• Provide coaching to staff on duty.
• Facilitates community inclusion on a weekly basis and reconciles community inclusion information consistent with required agency procedure.
• Coordinates leisure schedules and monitors leisure activities in accordance with each person's interests and needs.
• Attend and participate in required meetings.
• Ensure that staff assignments are present for each shift.
• Coordinates with On-Site Supervisor the daily activities of the people supported as they pertain to challenging/interfering behaviors, minor incidents, and off grounds trips.
• Participate in the on-site rotation for Lead Counselors working in the Somers location.
• Coordinates residence documentation relative to ADL skills, maintenance issues, including food and supply requests.
• Assist with the coordination/facilitation of medical appointments.
• Provides crisis intervention assistance and relief coverage where required.
• Ensures that families and visitors are greeted in a courteous friendly manner.
• Attends meetings and serves on committees as directed
• Follow federal, state, and local governmental regulatory guidelines pertaining to a safe, healthy, and clean work environment, reporting health and safety concerns to the supervisor.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1-year experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).
• A valid driver's license in Tri-State area required.
• This role is active and requires frequent standing, walking, and the ability to lift at least 50 lbs. You will need to assist the people we support with movement, ensuring their safety and comfort.

Why Work for Us?

• PAID training to help you succeed and grow in your role.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• Employer-paid vision and dental premiums to keep you covered.
• Tuition reimbursement for your personal and professional development
• Generous paid time-off to maintain your work-life balance
• A supportive, dynamic team environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.

Salary - $21.50 - $23.16 hourly Compensation will be commensurate with job qualifications and work experience.

Opengate is committed to equal employment opportunity.

We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, domestic or civil union partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, transgender status, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, education, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. The Company promotes inclusion and acceptance of all protected classes.

In order to promote and maintain a community culture, employees hired to work at Opengate must legally reside and perform their work in the state of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania.