Direct Service Professional - Community Counselor - Imagine!

Job Title:                             Community Counselor (Day Program Counselor)         

Department:                      Community Services                             

Reports to:                         Program Supervisor     

Status:                                  Full Time              

Salary Range:                     $20/hour

Location:                              Longmont

Schedule:                            Full Time; 36 hours per week

Purpose of Position

Promotes the health and welfare of participants/ clients. Engages in skilled interaction with participants who require therapeutic support, thus enabling them to access and utilize their community and build on skills. Acts in accordance with Community Services mission and guidelines as well as Individual Plans. Monitors and reports on data to ensure compliance with all applicable regulating agencies. Maintains professional relationships with participants as well as members of treatment teams. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

1. Promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the participants
   1. Engages in skilled interaction with participants who require therapeutic supports to replace aggressive or socially inappropriate behavior
   2. Assists participants in accessing and utilizing their community, by transporting them safely to recreational facilities or other community-based sites for activities, utilizing company cars, buses, walking, etc
   3. Learns and consistently practices effective teaching skills, working with Therapeutic and Coordinating team as necessary
2. Acts in accordance with Community Services policies, mission, and the Individual Plans
   1. Supports and implements activities according to Community Services guidelines, in the context of activity protocols and plans, and in the context of a nurturing, stable environment
   2. Completes documentation and tracking timely and accurately
3. Monitors and reports on data to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines and regulations, including Imagine! Policies and Procedures
4. Ensures quality service delivery, meeting the guidelines set forth in Community Services quality standards, as well as follows schedules, information sheets, and plans
5. Completes all required training, including annual refreshers, in the appropriate timeframe
6. Reports all behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and/or significant changes in medical condition to supervisor, and completes all related paperwork in a timely manner
   1. Implement Individual Treatment/Behavior Plans developed by Behavior Therapists and/or BCBA
   2. implements behavior intervention strategies as directed by the Behavior Therapist or BCBA
   3. Collect data when working with some individuals
   4. Proactively communicate any questions or concerns to the Behavior Therapist or BCBA
7. Supports Community Services mission in the context of both individual and collaborative work
8. Actively participates in staff meetings, workshops, in-services, discussions, etc
9. Maintains and cares for Imagine!’s property, including supplies, vehicles, etc., being mindful of safety and cleanliness
10. Represents Community Services in meetings and committees, as well as in promoting and marketing, as requested
11. Promotes team morale by being positive and professional

Job Qualifications

                Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

• Demonstrated skill in working with people with developmental disabilities, preferably in a community-based setting.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in skilled interaction with people who require therapeutic support.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels.
• Effective and creative negotiator and problem solver.
• Ability to work independently- traveling and working in the community
• Ability to work effectively with various technology including word processing software, internet-based databases, assistive technology, etc.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to meet Imagine! driving requirements.
• This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Training/Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of college preferred
• Ability and willingness to successfully complete required training curriculum. This includes developing an understanding of Community Services structure, services, philosophy, as well as community resources, etc

Experience:

• 2 years of experience preferred

Working Environment/Physical Activities: 

• Evening and weekend work may be required.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to drive a mini van
• Ability to push wheelchairs and to lift and transfer patients as related to toileting, diaper changing, and other health and activity related needs.
• Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a changing environment.
• Willingness and ability to respond to emergency situations as they arise.
• Work is performed in a variety of settings including office, outside, and in-home

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. 

Imagine! is a nonprofit with a goal of helping people aspire to, and achieve, a fulfilling life of new possibilities by providing support services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (IDD). We are located in the Denver / Boulder metro area and support Boulder and Broomfield counties.

OUR MISSION:  Creating a world of opportunity for all abilities.

Our services are community-based and mission-driven. We value creativity, innovation, and teamwork. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, flexible work schedules, comfortable/casual work environments, and meaningful and rewarding work with friendly, supportive co-workers.

Equal Employment Opportunity – Valuing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

Imagine! is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).  We strive to foster a just, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We also recognize the value of diversity within our organization, and want to employ a workforce that effectively supports the diverse communities we serve. Unlawful discrimination in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, hair style or texture, genetic information, or other characteristics protected by applicable laws is strictly prohibited.