V

Vinfen

Health and human services for disabilities

Residential Counselor - Mental Health Services

Full-TimeDeadline 10/5/27
$22/hr+ $1,500 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.
  • Must possess and maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record if using a personal vehicle.
  • Must present a valid driver's license at employment, be at least 21 years old, have held a valid United States driver's license for at least six months, and pass a driver's screening background check.
  • Must be able to perform physically active work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, lifting at least 25 pounds, and assisting Persons Served with daily living tasks.
  • Must be able to operate a computer and office equipment, communicate with Persons Served, staff, and external representatives, and meet the stated vision requirements.
  • Must obtain CPR and First Aid within two weeks of hire and MAP within 150 days of hire.
  • Must have the ability to balance competing priorities, make independent judgments and decisions, work professionally and confidentially, and use personal computer applications and equipment.
  • Must be able to establish supportive, trusting relationships with Persons Served, families, and neighbors, and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
Responsibilities
  • Provide direct service in a GLE/SIE residential setting to help Persons Served overcome barriers to independent living and prepare to live independently.
  • Implement treatment-plan interventions as directed by the Team LPHA Clinician and complete day-to-day assignments as directed by the Program Director.
  • Collaborate with integrated team members to address the needs of Persons Served.
  • Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches.
  • Follow safety, maintenance, Human Rights, and operational policies; comply with physical-site licensing standards and regulations.
  • Store, administer, document, and dispose of medication in accordance with Medication Administration Program requirements, funding-source regulations, and company policy; ensure compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols and teach medication management.
  • Support residents’ participation in the operation of the residence, including meal preparation and physical-site maintenance; help prepare meals.
  • Encourage social interaction among residents and foster a collaborative environment in which Persons Served, families, friends, and other important people are welcomed and respected; serve as a resource for neighbors.
  • Advocate for Persons Served and provide crisis intervention support, including accessing on-call backup when needed.
  • 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.
  • Participate in trainings, supervision, and staff meetings as requested; assist with orientation of new staff.
  • Complete required documentation and incident reports, and contribute to program quality-improvement goals and objectives.
  • Perform physical-site maintenance according to the maintenance schedule and 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 working with Persons Served 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