Clubhouse Counselor

Overview

Provide individual and group support to the members of the Clubhouse. Through assessment and development of Action Plan goals, work in partnership with Clubhouse members to improve life skills and self-determination within the established work areas of the Club, as well as in social and community activities. In addition, Clubhouse Counselor II positions provide specific expertise for and/or leadership in one or more Clubhouse work areas, including Employment/Education (EE) area; Communication, Art, and Social Recreation (CASR) area; Intake, Orientation, Outreach, and Housing (IOOH) area; and/or Health, Wellness, and Life Skills (HWLS) area.

Responsibilities

• Function as an advisor for Clubhouse members. Assess, develop, and implement Action Plans with members in the work area of their choice.• Promote a supportive and empowering services environment in which members learn to advocate for themselves, make their own choices, take risks, and assume additional responsibilities.• Communicate and reinforce the Clubhouse culture and philosophy to the membership as well other involved providers, community resources, and employer partners. In partnership with membership and staff, develop, implement, and support all Clubhouse policies and procedures.• Assist members in linking to other community services and resources.• As a Clubhouse generalist, provide support to Clubhouse members in all work areas: teach; coach; facilitate and support (instruction, assistance, modeling, and reinforcement) skill development for all work area members. Provide meaningful work opportunities within the work area and encourage membership participation in all work area activities. May plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of work area services.• Maintain program records for members to meet the standards set forward by theMassachusetts Department of Mental Health for Clubhouse Documentation. Support Clubhouse members in documenting progress on their Action Plan if they choose to do so.• Attend trainings and conferences relating to performance enhancement and professional growth. Participate in staff meetings, training, and supervision. Provide assistance in the orientation of new staff and members. Maintain on-going communication with supervisor and co-workers to promote the reliable functioning of the Clubhouse.• Help upkeep physical site.• Help plan and participate in Clubhouse events.• Learn, enforce, and adhere to all Clubhouse, divisional, and company policies and procedures.• Provide coverage/assistance as needed to support Clubhouse work units, program activities both off site and on site, completion of day to day program requirements, and general upkeep and maintenance of the Clubhouse.• Occasional weekend, evening, and holiday coverage is a requirement for all Clubhouse positions.• Perform other related duties, as required.

In addition to duties above, for Clubhouse Counselor II positions:

Provide specific expertise for and/or leadership in one or more Clubhouse work areas, including Employment/Education (EE) area; Communication, Art and Social Recreation (CASR) area; Intake, Orientation, Outreach and Housing (IOOH) area; and/or Health, Wellness and Life Skills (HWLS) area. See below for position specific requirements.

Additional duties for Clubhouse Counselor II Education staff:• Create and implement assessment tools to determine member’s education needs.• Devise and implement curriculum to meet each member’s educational Action Plan goals, (e.g., furthering post-secondary education, obtaining a GED, participating in training programs, improving basic educational skills).• Use the internet for on-line courses and teaching tools.• Provide training and supervision for program tutors.• Conduct classes on a group basis, and tutors on an individual basis.• Coordinate skills training and educational opportunities for members.• Establish affiliations with colleges and universities (e.g., ESOL programs, adult literacy programs and vocational training programs, etc.).• Promote and provide opportunities for peer leadership within the Clubhouse and in the community. Assist members with pursuing certification as a Peer Specialist, if desired.

Additional duties for Clubhouse Counselor II Intake, Outreach, and Housing staff:• Manage Intake, Orientation, Outreach, and Housing work area. Provide guidance andsupervision to area staff and members while working to develop and coordinate Clubhouse orientation, outreach, and housing efforts.• Act as liaison to prospective members, as assigned - arrange and perform intake procedures, conduct initial assessments.• Ensure that the intake of prospective Clubhouse members is completed in a timely, professional manner; arrange and perform intake procedures.• Monitor the quality and timely completion of all Action Plans. Help members develop and implement their Action Plans, as assigned. Assist supervisor with reporting Action Plan data to Department of Mental Health.• Serve as a resource for family and friends of members, neighbors, public officials, and other providers.• Act as a resource and reference for Clubhouse members on issues pertaining to housing and community participation

Knowledge and Skills:• Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills, as well as participatory planning techniques Knowledge of Clubhouse standards and practices• Knowledge of Psychiatric Rehabilitation principles, values, and practices Strong organizational and writing skills• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices and documentation standards Knowledge and use of different learning and communication styles• Knowledge of empowerment, self-advocacy, and peer support techniques Ability to work independently and as part of a team• Ability to provide a positive role model for work and learning• Knowledge of available community resources, jobs and educational opportunities Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity• Knowledge of personal computers applications and equipment Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues• Knowledge of use of reasonable accommodation law and advocacy techniques Knowledge of use of crisis intervention techniques and problem solving skills

About Vinfen

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers

My Vinfen. My Community. My Job.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Qualifications

Typical Requirements:

One to three years experience in human services field required. Advanced training, experience, or professional credentials are required for Clubhouse Counselor II positions. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Driving Requirements:Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. - If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check 

Preferred /Required Education:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Bachelor’s degree in psychology, rehabilitation counseling, special education, or related is preferred.

Physical Effort:Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Pay Range

USD $21.49 - USD $21.49 /Hr.

Compensation: 21.49 to 21.49 (USD)