Direct Support Specialist

If you are looking to make an impact through a meaningful and rewarding career, we are currently seeking talented, creative, and committed people who share our values of Challenging the Status Quo, Building Community, Creating Purpose, and Ensuring Inclusion by fostering individuals’ development, well-being, and growth.

Benefits:

· Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance

· Generous PTO

· 401k

· Disability

· Tuition Reimbursement

· Employee Assistance Program

Job purpose:

Responsible for the supervision and coordination of daily living skills including but not limited to personal care, recreation, meal prep, and household chores. Will be knowledgeable and available to work in various programs as scheduled.

Competencies: (6)

• Ethics/Integrity: 25%
• Person-Centered Supports: 15%
• Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-being: 15%
• Justice, Fairness and Equity: 15%
• Self-Determination: 15%
• Advocacy: 15%

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promote choice, provide appropriate support, and coordinate activities to foster individual well-being, growth, and development.
• Ensure that all services, programs, and guidelines outlined in an individuals’ ISP are implemented as assigned.
• Ensure that all Kennedy Center and DDS regulations and policies are adhered to.
• Responsible for the supervision and coordination of daily living skills including but not limited to personal care, recreation, meal prep, and household chores.
• Ensure all trainings are current.
• Provide professional and timely communication with co-workers, supervisor, families and guardians and other team members.
• Record and maintain individuals’ records in Therap as assigned (data entry, case notes, updated contacts, and information).
• Administer medications in accordance with DDS regulations. Ensure all medications are available and orders followed.
• Advocate for the individuals whenever necessary as well teach individuals to advocate for themselves.
• Ensure the protection of all individuals’ rights and safety by following HIPAA regulations, ensuring privacy, and reporting any type of abuse or neglect.
• Intervene in emergencies and behavioral situations as needed.
• Maintain a comfortable home or program space, ensuring a clean and safe environment.
• Ensure all doctors’ orders and guidelines are followed to assure the individuals’ health and wellbeing.
• Provide transportation to individuals as assigned.
• Accompany individuals on community outings, appointments and family visits as assigned.
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Compassion and patience for those you work with.
• Ability to work independently and as well as part of a team using good judgment and a sense of initiative.
• Work a flexible schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Knowledge and skill with Microsoft Office and the interne
• Must hold a DDS medication certification and have the knowledge to work as a medical liaison.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Ability to provide personal care which may include toileting, bathing, feeding, lifting, and transferring an individual.
• Have the physical endurance to use PMT holds.
• Have the physical endurance to be able to lift and transfer individuals as assigned.

The Kennedy Collective invests in the success of all new employees by providing an immersive new hire orientation and training experience. Here’s what you can expect if you’re hired:

• Two-week new hire orientation including an introduction to the agency, site tours, and employer-funded CPR & PMT certification.
• Two weeks of job-specific trainings and shadowing at your worksite
• Check-ins with Human Resources after your first 30, 60, and 90 days

The Kennedy Collective is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.