Habilitation Counselor

Purpose:  The Habilitation Counselor (HC) will align his/her scope of work with Jawonio’s Mission, while incorporating Jawonio’s Core Values as the guiding principle for all work activities.

Summary:  To perform direct care activities for individuals. Assists individuals in maintaining good daily living skills and acquiring independent living skills. Provide direction and oversight to individuals who may at times display challenging behaviors. Serve as a role model and mentor, demonstrating the desired behaviors, and coaches the individuals using approved techniques and strategies; uses approved physical intervention techniques when necessary to protect individuals and others.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Encourages and supports assigned individuals to reach their individual level of independence through prescribed task analysis and activities and documents same on data collection forms/electronic system.

Perform QIDP (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional) duties including case management, assessment and advocacy services to ensure the well-being and quality of life for the individuals in their care.

Performs a broad range of personal care and support activities for severely physically impaired individuals based on the consumer's capabilities (physical and mental status). These activities include grooming, feeding, washing, moving, lifting, physical transferring and other related activities.

Consults with supervisor to assist in the planning and coordination of individual’s activities, assisting them in reaching their goals. Develops and implements activities related to the individual’s goals and interest areas, including community integration, self-advocacy, disability issues, and personal development. Documents all activities and progress in appropriate logs/electronic system.

Participate in discussions or conferences regarding individuals, their care and progress. May offer suggestions, opinions as appropriate. May prepare or maintain progress notes and records pertaining to individuals as instructed and appropriate.

Transports individuals to workshops or day treatment, recreational activities, shopping trips, doctor appointments, and other destinations using agency van.  Assistance may include physical lifting and carrying, use of wheelchairs, etc., following prescribed safety procedures. Completes vehicle safety checks as required.

Performs a broad range of cleaning functions and activities throughout the residence as assigned, including dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, living quarters and other areas within the residence. Performs other functions related to the cleanliness and tidiness of the residence, including removal of garbage, washing of consumer's clothes etc.

Performs a variety of assigned functions related to the operation of the residence including checking of fire alarm systems, maintenance of communication books, etc.

When necessary, prepare meals in accordance with the special dietary needs of the consumer. Assists individuals during mealtimes, including helping with silverware, dishes, cups, etc., maintaining good eating habits as outlined in staff responsibilities and individual goals of individuals.

Plans meals to ensure within dietary guidelines for individual consumer(s).

Regularly attends mandated staff meetings, training, and other scheduled events.

Must cooperate and participate fully with Jawonio and/or Justice Center and OPWDD during an investigation or inspection, including making verbal and written statements as requested by the person(s) doing the investigation.

Dispenses medication as determined by agency policy, prescription, and medication certification course.

When necessary, works overtime, including before and after scheduled shift, as well as regularly scheduled days off. Failure to work overtime as directed and comply with all agency policies will lead to appropriate disciplinary action — up to and including termination of employment.

Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in one of the following areas: Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work. No waiver will be permitted for these requirements.

Language Ability:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of families, co-workers, and other community groups.

Math Ability:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and internet software.

Certificates and Licenses:

No certifications needed at hire. Must complete successfully Jawonio’s DSP Behavioral Track and DSP Medical Track within 24 months of hire date.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not require any official supervisory responsibilities, but is expected to act as a mentor to DSPs and DSP-As. 

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position performs tasks that occasionally involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.  On feet most of day, pushing, lifting of equipment and individuals as job requires on a regular basis. Outside part of the day, including time when driving van.

Additional Requirements:

• Special Requirements:  The ability to adjust shift, residence (work location) or work schedule (hours, days) as needed by the agency based on staffing patterns and consumer needs. 
• Valid driver's license strongly preferred.
• Remain current in all NYS Justice Center, OPWDD as well as agency required trainings.
• Candidates must be cleared and maintain acceptable record under the NYS Justice Center and OPWDD mandated criminal background check process.
• Must be clear and maintain an acceptable record under the Medicaid Fraud & Abuse clearance process.