Direct Support Specialist - Mt Claire

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) such as personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal‑setting, and nutrition needs; monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback. Lectures on psychoeducation for recovery, covering topics like medication side effects, communication skills, and stress management strategies.

Plans and facilitates community‑based activities, including medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation/socialization. Provides access to community resources such as AA/NA meetings, education, and job placement. Contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment by using verbal de‑escalation and, when authorized, other behavior management techniques.

Acts as an “ambassador” of SCS, informing community members about people with disabilities and SCS services, and collaborates with community systems on behalf of clients. Provides transportation services, supports safe use of public transportation, and offers personal care as needed.

Administers First Aid and CPR when required; supervises self‑administered medication per program protocols; identifies client allergies and mitigates exposure risks; communicates relevant care information with other SCS staff and, when authorized, with non‑SCS providers.

May assume specific program assignments such as food programs or crisis unit admissions. Documents services through attendance records, daily logs, shift/progress notes, incident reports, and time reports in accordance with SCS and regulatory standards.

Maintains confidentiality of protected health information in line with SCS procedures, state, and federal law. Supports discharge planning and additional training needs of direct support staff. Attends required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Within the bounds of their respective job descriptions, all staff are expected to exercise principle‑centered leadership, focused on customer service responsiveness, with a continuous quality improvement orientation. All staff are also expected to develop a working knowledge of and follow all policies and procedures related to safety management and other Joint Commission standards.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Zero to one year full‑time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health condition.
• Ability to provide nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Teaching skills.
• Patience and empathy.
• Maturity and judgment.

• Position involves considerable physical exertion, including lifting a maximum of 100 pounds and frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• May include frequent lifting of patients.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proof of automobile liability insurance.
• Positive driving record.

Full time