Direct Care Support Staff

Description

Values: All support staff are responsible to exhibit and display the agency's mission and basic philosophy of consumer validation and empowerment through respectful interaction.

Essential Functions: To assist disabled adults living in supervised residential settings in order to ensure their safety and well-being in a manner that promotes growth, independence, and dignity.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant ethical and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.
2. Verbally or physically assist individuals to complete personal care tasks, which include, but are not limited to toileting, showering/bathing, grooming, personal hygiene, and dressing.
3. Support individuals in the completion and greater independence of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) tasks, which include but are not limited to cooking, cleaning of all areas, general maintenance, academics, skill development, shopping, and money management.
4. Utilize Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) practices to create a healthy, clean and responsive environment by ensuring activities, plans, and individualized routines that reflect the preferences, needs, and goals of the individuals.
5. Organize, develop and implement group and individual activities, which serve to expand and normalize the lives of the individuals.
6. Follow the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Medication Administration Program (MAP) policies, which include, but are not limited to: training requirements, medication administration, medication security, and corresponding documentation.
7. Ensure the individual's nutritional needs are met according to the prescribed diet. Assist with mealtime as necessary.
8. Use supportive and adaptive, health-related protections/equipment as prescribed. Clean equipment as directed.
9. Learn and utilize communication tools which include but are not limited to email, tablets, Microsoft Office and REACH computer software systems.
10. Assist individuals with planning and implementing community-based activities and group activities within the home.
11. Create opportunities to teach and support new skills including financial and safety skills. Encourage skill building to expand opportunities and promote increased independence.
12. Assist in the development and implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISP’s) including implementation of behavioral plans and medication treatment plans.
13. Transport individuals to and from day programs, medical appointments, and other activities as required. Must maintain a valid driver's license and follows the requirements of REACH, Safe Driver Policy.
14. Using approved techniques and only as necessary, restrain individuals to prevent injury to themselves and others.
15. Follow DDS and REACH, protocol and reporting mandates for alleges abuse and/or neglect.
16. Record data by the conclusion of each shift. Documentation requirements include, but are not limited to: communication log, financial transactions, medication records, and ISP & behavior data, daily and monthly progress.
17. Fulfill case management responsibilities and documentation as assigned by the program manager, including those related to medical and legal concerns.
18. Ensure client safety and compliance with program standards for staff coverage, including assistance to the Administrator-On-Call (emergency cell) whenever necessary.
19. Maintain knowledge of ongoing program issues and developments as well as informing supervisor of all program issues and concerns.
20. Communicate in a professional and respectful manner, while exhibiting the skills of a strong team player and the ability to work harmoniously with a diverse workforce.
21. Work in other residential programs when needed. May work evenings, weekends, overnights and holidays as needed.
22. Attend, complete and maintain all of the required pieces of training for the position.
23. Treat all individuals, employees, and visitors with respect and dignity.
24. Attend and participate in bi-weekly staff meetings and scheduled supervisions.
25. Follow DDS regulations and adhere to all REACH, Inc. policies.
26. Understand and utilize universal/standard precautions and instruction on how to stay safe in areas that constitute a risk.
27. Complete all other duties as requested.

Requirements

Minimum Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Ability to record data using a computer or tablet, enter time worked into an electronic system and receive and send emails required.
• A valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to comprehend materials related to medication administration, ISP’s, PNS and ADL programs.
• Ability to speak and write in English clearly and accurately in order to keep documentation up to date and comprehensible.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with persons served, families, service providers, and associate employees.
• Work effectively in a moderate to occasionally loud work environment.
• Satisfactory Fingerprint and CORI record.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 6 months of related experience required. Life or volunteer experience is applicable. 
• Previous experience – working, volunteer, life – with individuals with developmental and/or physical disabilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, transfer, push/pull, maneuver and reposition 25 pounds.
• Ability to reach, bend, stand, sit and walk; perform fine motor activities.