In Home Support Counselor (Sign On Bonus Eligible)

The In-Home Support Counselor is responsible for supporting adults with intellectual disabilities, with or without children, who live independently in the community. We assist them in living as independently as possible within the community and encompassing support services customized to their specific needs. We support them towards living a happy, healthy, and productive life that aligns with their life goals.

We achieve our goals by implementing industry best practices, creating innovative solutions to complex problems and employing staff who care deeply about clients and our mission. The In-Home Support Counselor should make every effort to promote principles of normalization and dignity and include opportunities for individuals to fully join their community. At HopeWell, we value good communication, transparency, reliable support and the pursuit of excellence. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with supervisor and individuals to set goals in the areas of daily living, career needs, social and recreational activities, and where relevant, parenting.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the Individuals’ Service Plan (ISP) reflecting the individual’s preferences, goals, lifestyles, and interests. 
• Be knowledgeable and adhere to their individualized Vision, Assessments, and Goals/Implementation Strategies that are listed in the ISP.
• Develop a partnership strategy with each individual and meet individuals, and where relevant their children, in their home or community to provide direct support, coaching, and intervention to increase self-sufficiency and goal attainment.
• Support individuals in scheduling, providing transportation to, and attending all necessary appointments and services as well as community activities for themselves and where relevant their children. This may include providing transportation for the individual. Where relevant refer to new services as needed.
• Create teaching moments and fostering the acquisition, retention, or improvement of skills related to personal finance, health, shopping, use of community resources, community safety, and other social and adaptive skills to live in the community. This may also include training and education in self-determination and self-advocacy, enabling individuals to acquire skills to exercise control and responsibility over the services and supports they receive and to become more independent, integrated, and productive in their communities.
• Complete accurate and up to date written documentation and reports as required.
• Adhere to all safety standards, Federal and State regulations, agency and corporate policies.
• Collaborate closely with collaterals, including but not limited to DDS service coordinators, medical providers, case workers, social workers, courts, and schools.
• Actively participate in program and agency internal (e.g., supervision, collaborating with colleagues, caregiver & staff meetings, town halls) and external meetings (e.g. collaborating with other providers, external committee meetings) both in person and virtually as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma (associate’s degree preferred).
• 6 months’ relevant experience.
• This role involves meetings in individuals’ homes and in the community, office-based work, and some remote opportunities. During home and community visits there are possible environmental exposures including pets.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and able to use good judgment.
• Ability to make decisions and multi-task efficiently.
• Computer skills to perform essential functions.
• Strong organizational skills and time management skills.
• Empathy and desire to work with adults with developmental disabilities.
• Desire to learn and grow professionally and is comfortable asking questions.
• Open-minded, self-initiate and open to receiving constructive feedback.
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team atmosphere.
• Demonstrates flexibility/adaptability, resourcefulness, and professionalism.
• Passion, enthusiasm, excitement for the human services field.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a culturally diverse population of individuals, co-workers, caregivers, families, community members and other stakeholders. 

OTHER REQUIRMENTS

• Daily access to an automobile is required.
• Driving is required in and out of the catchment area.
• A valid MA State Driver’s License.
• Remain current in all required trainings.
• clearing of background checks as required by state and federal law.