Direct Support Worker - Adult Services

The Direct Support Worker provides support to individuals with disabilities, helping them live independently, safely, and actively in the community.  This position will assist individuals in a home living environment with daily tasks, personal care, medication management, and community engagement activities designed to achieve their personal goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interacts with individuals regularly, listening and appropriately responding to their concerns.
• Connect individuals to activities within the community to support physical and mental health needs.
• Provide encouragement and coaching in support of learning and daily living skills.
• Assist individuals with shopping for personal needs and desires.
• Coach individuals on sound financial management decisions.
• Assist with meal planning, shopping, and food preparation to achieve healthy eating goals.
• Perform routine procedures to maintain flexibility such as range of motion exercises and assistance in ambulation.
• Performs personal care activities, including but not limited to:
  • Bathing and shampooing
  • Skin care/nail care
  • Oral hygiene
  • Shaving
  • Dressing
• Performs a variety of household services essential to health care including:
  • Meal preparation/feeding
  • Basic laundry
  • Intermediate housekeeping, trash removal, and general cleaning
• Assists in the administration of medications that are ordinarily self-administered according to company policy.
• Reports any observed or reported changes in the client's condition and/or needs to the supervisor.
• Document all care provided and completes the forms required for the client's records.
• Enter and submit the appropriate records to document care given and pertinent observations.
• Promotes personal safety and a safe environment for clients by observing infection control practices.
• Demonstrates safe practice in the use of equipment and notifies supervisor of educational needs.
• Effectively communicates with all members of the interdisciplinary team through verbal reports, participation in staff meetings, and team conferences, as requested.

Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency.  Previous experience direct support services or caregiver role is preferable.  Additional requirements include:

• A passion to support others while respecting individual differences
• Ability to read, write and follow a written Individual Plan of Care
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality with clients, staff members, agency leadership, and outside stakeholders
• Basic to intermediate computer skills
• Maintain a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable vehicle