Relief Counselor (6599)

DescriptionDepartment: Residential
Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt
Reports To: Program Director

Position Overview

The Relief Counselor provides per diem coverage (up to 34 hours per week) for various departments within the Charles River Center (CRC). Responsibilities include:

Implementing Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
Providing direct care and supervision
Assisting with daily activities
Ensuring compliance with CRC policies and procedures

This role follows the principles of normalization and community inclusion, ensuring that individuals receive high-quality, person-centered care in a supportive environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Direct Care & Individual Support

Provide per diem coverage across CRC homes as scheduled.
Implement and review Individual Support Plans (ISPs) assigned by the Program Director.
Provide direct support, instruction, and supervision, including:

Personal care (hygiene, dressing, meal preparation)
Social skills and education
Travel training and telephone usage
Managing personal funds and assisting with purchases
Encouraging participation in religious, social, and leisure activities

Advocate for human and legal rights of individuals served.
Assist with household maintenance, grocery shopping, and errands while promoting resident participation.
Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming home environment.
Foster community inclusion by coordinating meaningful activities based on individual preferences.

Behavioral & Safety Support

Utilize Positive Behavioral Supports to reinforce positive behaviors and minimize challenges.
Assist residents in adhering to House Rules for their assigned home.
Provide overnight supervision, ensuring individuals’ health and safety at all times.
Remain awake and alert during overnight shifts.
Be prepared to stay beyond scheduled shifts in emergencies (e.g., inclement weather, lack of relief coverage).

Transportation & Record-Keeping

Transport individuals to appointments, community activities, and events as assigned.
Maintain accurate and timely record-keeping on:

Individual progress and behavior
Financial transactions for individuals and house funds
House operations and daily activities

Communicate concerns, issues, and program updates to Program Directors.

Training & Compliance

Attend mandatory in-service trainings, meetings, and certification programs.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge on CRC policies, safety protocols, and program expectations.
Ensure compliance with agency and state regulations for residential services.

Required Skills & Competencies

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Ability to interact in a professional, respectful, and supportive manner with individuals, staff, and families.
Strong oral and written communication skills for reporting and documentation.
Effective teamwork and collaboration with coworkers and management.
Active listening and ability to assimilate feedback for continuous improvement.

Reliability & Problem-Solving

Strong dependability—punctual and consistent in following through on responsibilities.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing conditions.
Self-driven with strong initiative and problem-solving skills.

Work Ethic & Professionalism

Adheres to company policies and procedures, setting a positive example for others.
Maintains a high standard of responsibility and accountability.
Demonstrates strong organizational and planning skills to complete tasks efficiently.

Qualifications

Enrolled in or completed a degree program in Human Services (or equivalent experience).
Knowledge of:

Principles of Normalization & Community Inclusion
Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS)
Restraint and PAB (Physical Assistance and Behavioral) techniques

Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License required.
Certification Requirements (Must be obtained and maintained):

Medication Administration Program (MAP) – optional for relief staff
Fire Safety, Human Rights, Mandated Reporting, Universal Precautions
Safety Care & Legal Restraint Training (within first 6 months)
Standard First Aid & CPR (within first 30 days)

Language & Reasoning Abilities

Must be fluent in English and able to read and interpret safety rules, policies, and procedure manuals.
Strong written communication skills for reports and correspondence.
Ability to effectively communicate with individuals, staff, families, and community members.
Able to follow detailed written and oral instructions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are essential to the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

Frequent sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
Frequent use of hands/fingers for tasks such as meal preparation and documentation.
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds (floor to waist) and 10-15 pounds overhead.
Must be able to assist in lifting individuals up to 100 pounds (support provided as needed).
Requires significant endurance to meet the physical demands of the role.

Work Hours & Scheduling Policy

Relief staff must not exceed 34 hours per week.
The CRC workweek begins at 11:00 p.m. on Friday night (e.g., a Friday overnight shift counts toward the weekly limit).
Employees must track their own hours and are responsible for ensuring they do not exceed limits.
Only a Cluster Director or the Vice President for Residential Services can approve schedules exceeding the 34-hour limit.
Employees who exceed the 34-hour limit without approval may be removed from the relief staff list.