Direct Support Worker

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY

A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services and providing care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The position calls for the care and close supervision of individuals in a residential setting.

GENERAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Clean, maintain and participate in the upkeep of the home and properties to ensure client and staff safety
• Assist individuals with:
  • Plan, purchase and prepare meals according to individual’s dietary needs
  • Plan and participate in leisure time and recreational activities
  • New social opportunities/experiences to the individuals
  • Cope effectively with social, emotional and physical situations
  • Assist clients with daily living activities (dressing, showering, etc) as needed

Documentation / Communication:

Documentation provided by staff is considered a legal document. Ensure all individual data is recorded accurately in individual’s record in Therap and all program documentation is competed on time

• Accumulate and record data relevant to behavioral programs, review individuals progress, developmental needs and barriers impeding progress
• Identify and prioritize individuals' needs
• Complete comprehensive documentation
• Report seizures, behavioral episodes, injury or illness, client concerns, and/or other medically or emotionally related problems to the house manager, supervisor, nurse and team members. Reports suspected allegation of abuse/neglect to the Abuse Investigation Division in a timely manner immediately.
• Report any incidents or evidence of violation of residents’ rights to Administrator and/or appropriate parties immediately.
• Ensure regular, professional communication with all team members

Trainings

• Attend and successfully complete all mandatory trainings/meetings required by DDS and the agency.
• Successful completion of DDS Medication Administration Certification. Yearly maintenance of Med Certification

HIPAA

• Maintain and safeguard individuals' private information. This includes but is not limited to diagnoses, health record, and program documentation.

Additional duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree preferred or High school Diploma with 2 years’ experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Must have Medication Administration Certification or must be able to obtain Medication Administration Certification upon the next available Med Cert Course immediately following hire.
• Demonstrates organizational ability, communicates effectively with individuals served and members of the team.
• Applicants will be subject to criminal and driving history background checks. Must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license with no more than 2 violations in a three year period, subject to review. Drivers’ History completed annually.

Key competencies

• Knowledge of individuals with developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis.
• Knowledge of behavioral issues, including aggressive, non-verbal and self-injury behaviors.
• Ability to exercise mature judgment and relate to individuals in a warm, caring manner.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Individual Plans
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people at all levels within the organization.
• Self starter with the ability to multi-task.
• Results oriented, sound judgment, service oriented, assertive/persuasive.
• High energy level, comfortable performing multifaceted projects, plus day-to-day activities.
• Have good organizational skills, ability to set priorities, and be flexible based on changing priorities.
• Superior interpersonal abilities, teamwork mentality and social perceptiveness.
• Active listening skills with the ability to interact effectively with management.
• Ability to establish credibility, be decisive, recognize priorities.
• The direct support worker, works in both indoor and outdoor settings. Frequent lifting and/or carrying objects/individuals up to 65 plus pounds is required. Standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, balancing, walking, running, pushing, pulling,…