Direct Support Crisis Specialist – Newberg & Brooks area
About The Position
The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU) provides 24-hour residential care to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, often with co-occurring mental health diagnoses and support needs exceeding those available through other community-based residential programs. SACU helps individuals safely transition back to their home communities and supports their quality of life, independence, and social opportunities through health and medical care, psychological services, emotional and behavioral support, education, life-skills training, recreation, and community integration. SACU operates 17 residential group homes along the I-5 corridor from Portland to Eugene. Direct Support Crisis Specialists provide care and support in residential group homes and in the community. Positions are permanent and full-time, based in the Newberg and Brooks area. Work schedules depend on available openings and may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, vacation relief, or other shifts. Staff may be assigned to other nearby worksites and may occasionally work overtime to meet staffing needs. Float Pool assignments, if applicable, are paid at 10% above base pay for the duration of the assignment. The work involves frequent contact with people who need attentive, sensitive support, including individuals who may experience trauma responses, crises, or significant emotional or physical behaviors. The role requires maintaining health and safety, following support plans and medical orders, and providing personal care and assistance with daily activities. Employees attend three weeks of paid in-person training in Salem and must earn First Aid/CPR, Oregon Intervention System, and Medication Administration certifications.
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record; the record must meet the ODHS SACU Driving Policy.
- At least 18 months of experience providing direct individual care or training in a related human services field, or an associate or higher-level degree in a related human services field, or a combination of qualifying education and experience.
- Relevant experience may include paid or unpaid caregiving or volunteering with seniors, children, or people with disabilities; lived experience caring for a family member or neighbor may substitute for up to six months of the required experience.
- Experience following written and verbal instructions.
- Experience communicating clearly in writing and directly with varied individuals, and adjusting communication style to the recipient.
- Experience resolving conflicts professionally and promptly.
- Experience using computers, tablets, and cell phones for documentation, reporting, and communication; examples include the Internet, Microsoft Office applications, and Therap.
- Experience being a dependable team resource working toward a common goal.
- Experience following behavioral, mental-health, and/or medical supports and orders.
- Experience monitoring or assisting individuals experiencing mental, emotional, behavioral, physical, or medical challenges.
- Ability to work assigned shifts, including weekends, nights, and holidays, and occasional overtime.
- Ability to lift up to 75 pounds frequently and to squat, bend, and stoop frequently.
- Ability to engage and maintain Oregon Intervention System-approved restraints for up to one hour.
- Ability to complete required in-person training and demonstrate the physical and procedural competencies needed for First Aid/CPR, OIS, and medication administration certification.
- Successful completion of criminal history and background checks and required drug testing; authorization to work in the United States is required.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct care and support in a 24-hour, seven-day residential group home, including behavioral support, safety, personal care, nutrition, housekeeping, health care, and daily activities at home and in the community.
- Provide support that honors individuals’ wishes and culture while maintaining their health and safety.
- Help individuals access their communities and encourage participation in educational and recreational activities.
- Observe and document individuals’ activities, behavior, and progress.
- Administer medications and treatments under the direction of nursing staff and medical professionals.
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living and hygiene, including personal care, bathing, toileting, and feeding.
- Document and track all aspects of care, answer phones, and maintain confidentiality.
- Prepare meals and complete housekeeping tasks.
- Transport individuals by state van or car as needed.
- Attend required paid training and obtain First Aid/CPR, Oregon Intervention System, and Medication Administration certifications.
Benefits
- Three weeks of paid in-person training.
- ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.
- Cost-of-living adjustments.
- Annual salary increases until the top of the listed salary range is reached.
- A variety of employee benefits and resources through the AFSCME union.
- Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
- Police and Fire pension plan, with full retirement benefits after 25 years of service.
- Float Pool staff receive 10% above base pay for the duration of an assignment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
