Department: Residential
Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt
Reports To: Program Director
Location(s): Natick, Needham, Westwood, Millis

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.