Community Counselor

Purpose of Position

Promotes the health and welfare of Community Services participants. Works with Therapeutic Specialist to ensure Therapeutic/Educational activities are developed and implemented effectively. Works with Community Services staff, including Program Therapeutic Specialist to monitor the effectiveness of plans. Ensures quality of services as well as compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Maintains professional relationships with participants as well as members of team.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops and facilitates activities to ensure Therapeutic/Education plans are developed and implemented effectively. Works with Community Services Staff including Program Therapeutic Specialist to monitor the effectiveness of plans. Ensures quality of services as well as compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures

• Writes therapeutic/educational activity plans that align with participants support plans and maintains progress notes according to scheduled requirements

• Provide skilled instructional support to direct support professionals to support therapeutic and educational plans

• Organizes and supervises activities for participants to ensure a therapeutic environment in accordance with the mission

• Monitors the effectiveness of plans and seek continuous improvement

• Promotes the health, safety and welfare of the participants

• Ensure health and safety requirements set forth by Imagine guidelines as well as all regulating agencies. This includes appropriate service and support, such as positive instruction, assistance with personal hygiene, toileting, meals, etc.

• Learns and consistently practices effective teaching skills working with Therapeutic and team as necessary

• Engages in skilled interaction with participants who require therapeutic supports to replace aggressive or socially inappropriate behavior

• Assists participants in accessing and utilizing their community, by transporting them safely to community-based sites for activities in cars, buses, or walking

• Acts in accordance with Imagine policies, mission and service plans

• Support and implement activities according to Imagine guidelines, in the context of a nurturing, stable environment

• Completes documentation and tracking in a timely, accurate manner

• Communicates effectively with participants, guardians and family members, staff and all other members of the consumers' treatment team. This includes checking email, voicemail, and managing phone calls regularly before and during each shift

• Monitors and reports on data to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines and regulations, including Imagine Policies and Procedures

• Ensures quality service delivery, meeting the guidelines set forth in Imagine quality standards, as well as follows schedules, information sheets and plans

• Instructs in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, County and municipal statutes, regulations, and Imagine policies and procedures

• Completes all required training, including annual refreshers, in appropriate timeframe

• Reports all behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and/or significant changes in medical condition to supervisor and completes al related paperwork in a timely manner

• Maintains respectful and professional relationships with participants, staff, guardians, family members, community partners and all other members of the treatment team

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Supports Community Services Mission
• Actively participates in staff meetings, workshops, and discussions
• Maintains and cares for Imagine property, including supplies, vehicles etc, being mindful of safety and cleanliness
• Maintains positive and professional relationships with coworkers and stakeholders
• Attends additional trainings as requested
• Implement individual treatment/behavior plans developed by Behavioral Therapist and/or BCBAs
• Respond appropriately to participants challenging behaviors and implements behavior intervention strategies as directed by the Behavioral Therapists or BCBA
• Collect data when working with some individuals
• Proactively communicate any questions or concerns to the Behavior Therapist or BCBA

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

• General knowledge of community resources
• 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 behavior development and/or therapeutic supports
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels
• Effective and creative negotiator/problem solve. This includes ability to provide crisis intervention and resolve conflict
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks/goals for self and others
• Effective organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to work effectively with various technology including Microsoft Office, 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 and understanding of community services structure, services, philosophy, as well as community resources

Experience:

• 1 year of direct support experience preferred

Working Environment/Physical Activities

• Ability to lift 50-75 pounds
• Ability to drive a minivan
• Ability to push wheelchairs, lift/transfer participants as related to toileting, undergarment changing, and other health and activity related needs

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.