V

Vinfen

Health and human services for disabilities

Residential Counselor - Mental Health Services

Full-TimeDeadline 4/6/27
$22.55/hr+ $2,000 sign-on bonus
Entry
Associate's
Lawrence, MA, USA
In Person
Social & Community ServicesResidential & Direct Support

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • A valid driver's license is required at employment; drivers must be at least 21 years old, have held a valid U.S. driver's license for at least six months, maintain adequate insurance if using a personal vehicle, maintain a safe driving record subject to annual checks, and pass a driver's screening background check.
  • Ability to establish supportive, trusting relationships with persons served, families, and neighbors.
  • Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
  • Ability to balance competing priorities and make independent judgments and decisions.
  • Ability to work professionally and confidentially.
  • Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift, operate office equipment, assist persons served with daily living tasks, remain stationary as needed, communicate with persons served, staff, and external representatives, and meet the listed vision requirements.
  • CPR certification is required within two weeks of hire; First Aid certification is required within two weeks of hire; Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification is required within 150 days of hire.
Responsibilities
  • Provide direct service in a group living environment or supported independent living residential setting, helping persons served overcome barriers to independent living.
  • Implement treatment plan support interventions as assigned by the team clinician.
  • Administer medications following Medication Administration Program policies and procedures, and teach persons served medication management.
  • Provide crisis intervention when needed and access on-call backup when necessary.
  • Maintain a safe, comfortable, and clean residential environment, including physical site maintenance according to the maintenance schedule.
  • Collaborate with integrated team members to address persons served’ needs.
  • Perform day-to-day assignments as directed by the program director.
  • Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches.
  • Follow safety, maintenance, human rights, and operational policies and procedures, and comply with physical site licensing standards and regulations.
  • Store, administer, document, and dispose of medications according to program requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy; ensure compliance with Medication Administration Program protocols.
  • Create opportunities for persons served to participate in residence operations, including meal preparation and physical site maintenance.
  • Encourage social interaction among residents and foster a collaborative environment in which persons served, family, friends, and other important people are welcomed and valued; serve as a resource for neighbors.
  • Help persons served prepare meals and advocate for them.
  • Participate in trainings and attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
  • Assist with the orientation of new staff.
  • Complete required documentation and incident documentation as needed.
  • Contribute to the program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.
  • Support evidence-based and best practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans, Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • An associate’s degree in a human service discipline is preferred.
  • One year of experience as a residential counselor in a setting serving people facing mental health challenges is preferred.
  • One to two years of job-specific experience in the human services field is preferred.
  • Bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions are preferred.

About the company

Vinfen provides health and human services to adolescents and adults with disabilities or life challenges. It operates more than 200 locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut and offers a range of evidence-based programs, including recovery support, supported living, habilitation, education, employment services, clinical care, and peer support. How the product works: Vinfen delivers these services through coordinated programs and teams at community sites and partners, helping people gain skills, live more independently, and participate in daily life. How it differs from competitors: Its large, regional network covers a broad continuum of care—from clinical treatment to housing and employment—across both youths and adults, using evidence-based approaches and integrated supports. What the company aims to achieve: to improve quality of life, independence, and meaningful community participation for people with disabilities or life challenges.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Founded

1977

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Vinfen added Melissa Shannon as vice president of policy and strategy on August 11, 2026.
  • Gateway Arts raised more than $120,000 in July 2026, strengthening donor-backed programs.
  • The Lowell Restoration Center gives Vinfen a visible, state-backed crisis-care platform through 2028.

What critics are saying

  • Massachusetts staffing shortages hit direct care roles; Vinfen faced layoffs or unpaid leave in 2026.
  • DMH contract dependence creates budget risk; the Lowell extension added only about $250,000.
  • The Commonwealth’s 2026 Skyline Drive case shows Vinfen’s landlord and placement ecosystem faces legal scrutiny.

What makes Vinfen unique

  • Vinfen operates Massachusetts and Connecticut community behavioral health, disability, and brain-injury services.
  • Restoration Center of Greater Lowell opened March 31, 2026 as 24/7 crisis diversion.
  • Vinfen’s 2025 annual report shows $295.7 million revenue and $89.2 million net assets.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Pet Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Referral Bonus

Employee Discounts