Personal Support Specialists

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, your knowledge and service in areas such as immigrants and refugees, mental health, social work, employment and adult education, legal and financial services, health care, food assistance, shelter and housing, developmental disabilities and prison outreach can make a profound difference in the lives of many. Through more than 50 programs across the district and five surrounding counties, Catholic Charities is opening doors to help and hope. At CCADW, we continue to build an inclusive culture that celebrates a diverse workforce. We offer so much more than just a job. We offer careers. We take pride in our “promote from within” culture. We offer professional development, a comprehensive benefits package, a hybrid work model with both remote and in-office work, and a passion for building and motivating world class, high performing teams. Explore your career opportunity with Catholic Charities. Join us in Inspiring Hope and Building Futures.

JOB SUMMARY: The Personal Support Specialist is responsible for ensuring that adults with disabilities are provided with opportunities to be a meaningfully, engaging and centered in community. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Creates experiences that promote individual’s interests, choices, and personal growth by:  
  1. Assisting individuals in discovering and pursuing new interests. 
  2. Helping individuals have control over their daily lives. 
  3. Assisting individuals in planning their daily/weekly schedules (i.e. - work schedules, activities, medical/dental appointments, vacations, etc.) and carrying out activities.
  4. Informing the team of schedule changes (i.e. - calling in sick to work/day program, visits home with family, etc.).
  5. Assisting individuals with planning and preparing for team meetings and sharing preferences and interests.
  6. Ensuring that individuals are on time for scheduled activities (i.e. - classes, workshops, appointments, etc.). 
  7. Teaching skills for increased independence (i.e. - self-help, personal hygiene, social skills, etc.)
  8. Encouraging and supporting individual's pursuit for self-advocacy (i.e., learning skills; identifying self-advocacy activities and providing necessary assistance to attend and participate). 
  9. Assuring that individuals are properly dressed and groomed, providing maximum opportunity for individual choice.
  10. Facilitating the development of meaningful relationships.
  11. Assisting individuals in broadening their awareness and use of community resources (i.e. - transportation, businesses, libraries, social services, etc.).
  12. Developing and implementing, in coordination with the team, the Individual’s Plan to achieve the vision and personal outcomes identified by the individual.
  13. Fostering individual’s rights, self-determination, and independence.
  14. Participating in community education to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
  15. Assisting the individuals in living a healthy lifestyle. Follow diet when indicated in doctor’s orders.
  16. Assessing and communicating changes in an individual's health status.
  17. Attending medical appointments, when necessary.
  18. Follow doctor’s orders as indicated under the direction of a licensed health care professional (i.e. - PT exercises, health care treatments, etc.).
  19. Communicating to healthcare providers the healthcare needs of individuals
      (i.e. - medical issues, how to work best with or communicate with the individual, etc.).
  20. Encouraging exercise in general or as outlined in the Individual Plan or doctor’s orders.
• Transports individuals from their homes to various activities within the community and back safely.

 EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Verification of foreign equivalency required.
• One (1) year of experience supporting persons with disabilities and/or behaviorally challenged.
• Experience in behavior management, crisis intervention, and hands off problem-solving are a plus.
• Certified Nursing Assistant plus.

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES: 

• Ability to identify and support individual personalities and preferences of people supported. 
• Must possess a full, valid local, driver’s license and the ability to maintain a good driving record.