Lead counselor, certified day habilitation

Opengate is an innovative forward-thinking non-profit organization looking to provide extraordinary individuals support with the highest possible quality of life. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Lead Counselor, who will play a critical role in making a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve.

Join our team as a Lead Counselor and play a pivotal role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will assist the Day Habilitation Managers in ensuring a positive, inclusive, and safe living environment while overseeing day-to-day activities and supporting Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) within the Day Habilitation program.

Being a Lead Counselor is not just a job – it's a chance to be a positive force in someone's life journey.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide supervision to DSPs and assist in the daily operations of the residence, including meal prep, housekeeping, medication administration, and maintaining a safe environment.
• Serve as a mentor and role model, offering guidance and coaching to staff based on Opengate's best practices, Core Competencies, and NASDP code of ethics.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of residents, addressing behavioral concerns and maintain accurate records (e.g. - data collection, medical events).
• Assist with managing SSI funds, personal shopping, and recreational activities for the people we support.
• Coordinate and monitor leisure activities, ensuring they align with the residents' interests and needs.
• Report maintenance issues, oversee petty cash management, and ensure all documentation (AOL skills, food/supply requests) is accurate and timely.
• Facilitate community inclusion activities and manage related documentation.
• Assist with the coordination of medical appointments and provide crisis intervention when needed.
• Participate in on-site rotations and support relief coverage as required.
• Act as a liaison between staff, residents, and visitors, ensuring courteous and professional communication.
• Attend and participate in meetings, committees, and required trainings.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1-year experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).
• A valid driver's license in Tri-State area required.
• This role is active and requires frequent standing, walking, and the ability to lift at least 50 lbs. You will need to assist the people we support with movement, ensuring their safety and comfort.

Why work for us?

• PAID training to help you succeed and grow in your role.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• Employer-paid vision and dental premiums to keep you covered.
• Tuition reimbursement for your personal and professional development.
• Generous paid time-off to maintain your work-life balance.
• A supportive, dynamic team environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.

Salary - $21.50 - $23.16 hourly. Compensation will be commensurate with job qualifications and work experience.

Opengate is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, domestic or civil union partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, transgender status, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, education, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. The Company promotes inclusion and acceptance of all protected classes.

In order to promote and maintain a community culture, employees hired to work at Opengate must legally reside and perform their work in the state of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania.