Direct Support Professional (AFC)

In conjunction with Connections mission to support people with disabilities throughout the community, this position provides direct care to people with disabilities on behalf of the agency. Direct Support Professionals represent different programming areas that involve supporting people with disabilities in their home environment and in the community. Reporting to the Program Coordinator, direct responsibilities include supervising and coordinating activities of the people with disabilities they work with in a group home setting. The position will be a supportive role involving the teaching of supported living skills, cooking skills, cleaning skills, and general skills that improve ones level of independence.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma preferred.
• Must have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and possess a professional & respectful demeanor.
• Must demonstrate effective written and oral skills.
• Must submit to and clear a background check as required by the Department of Human Services.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must be able to communicate receptively and expressively in English.
• Must display proficient basic computer skills and internet navigation.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and reliable vehicle unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lifting/carrying occasionally greater than 50 pounds at a time, with frequent lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately, so that the requirements of the position can be fully met.
• Must be able to implement Therapeutic Response techniques as trained.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None

SCHEDULE:
Hours for the position vary according to the Adult Foster Care site requirement. Sites are scheduled with staff 24 hours per day every day. In the case of an emergency, travel may be required on a limited basis.

***Every other weekend is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist participants as needed in the development of independent living skills.
• Household management (cleaning, laundry, and cooking, etc).
• Personal finances.
• Personal care.
• Public transportation.
• Implement individual program planning to assist participants in reaching their goals.
• Learn about the life experiences (work, residential, social, etc.) of the person, and assist them to expand their life experiences through education and community outings.
• Identify the person’s strengths and/or weaknesses to assist them in achieving their priorities, and support the person to use their strengths to achieve their goals and dreams.
• Provide training, support and documentation for all outcomes listed, according to established criteria and methods.
• Complete all documentation for all assigned participants accurately and at the end of each shift worked, as required for licensing and quality assurance.
• Meet with the Program Coordinator on a monthly basis to review progress, training and documentation.
• Assist Program Coordinator in completion of all participant assessments as requested.
• Coordinate activities in relation to community integration.
• Plan site activities, events, and community activities.
• Assist participants in accessing community based services and resources.
• Responsible for the transportation of participants for community integration purposes.
• Support people to remain connected to natural supports.
• Assist and support participants with activities that relate to them personally.
• Assist the participants with their personal finances and budgeting skills.
• Assist and teach participants how to cook and eat healthy meals to promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Assist and teach participants how to maintain a clean home.
• Teach and inform participants about how to exercise their rights.
• Become familiar with each participant’s personal health needs.
• Assist in personal cares (bathing, toileting, etc.) and assist in maintaining a neat personal appearance.
• Provide emotional support when necessary.
• Administer medication according to licensing standards and Connections’ protocol.
• Provide a safe environment for participants to live, free of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• Maintain a clean living environment.
• Practice safety awareness procedures (fire/storm drills).
• Practice safe and sanitary medication procedures/policies.
• Report any property and vehicle maintenance concerns to the Program Coordinator.
• Maintain all necessary documentation.
• Complete and submit all necessary documentation, GER’s, t-logs, ISP’s and trackers, in conjunction with agency or program policies and requirements.
• Complete cleaning checklist in accordance with house policy.
• Assure proper annual training is achieved in accordance with state statute requirements and employee training plan.
• Prepare, attend and participate in monthly supervision with immediate supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

UNIVERSAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Adheres to Connections Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Works to improve knowledge and skills.
• Maintains training credentials as required by the agency, including all mandated certifications and in-services.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the CARF accreditation process, and its philosophy of a person centered approach.
• Demonstrates the required skills, knowledge, and ability needed to be successful.
• Maintains client, personnel and agency confidences.
• Responds to and follows management instructions.
• Submits required documentation in accordance with agency deadlines.
• Responsible for tracking own in-service hours as needed.
• Uses time effectively and actively pursues available agency projects as schedule allows.

#hc48273

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid orientation
• Paid training

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to provide proof of car insurance in your name?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person