Direct Support Crisis Specialist – Portland area

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

2d • $26 - $33 • Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Stabilization and Crisis Unit (SACU) provides 24-hour residential care and support to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, often alongside mental health diagnoses, whose needs exceed what other community-based residential programs can provide. SACU helps individuals safely transition back to their home communities and supports their quality of life, independence, and social opportunities. The unit operates residential group homes along the I-5 corridor.

Direct Support Crisis Specialists provide care in residential group homes and in community settings. They support individuals’ health, safety, personal care, nutrition, behavioral and emotional needs, daily activities, community participation, and access to educational and recreational opportunities. The position involves observing and documenting activities, behavior, and progress; administering medications and treatments under the direction of nursing staff and medical professionals; and completing documentation, meal preparation, and housekeeping.

These are permanent, full-time positions in the Portland area. Work is scheduled in a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week residential program and may include day, evening, night, weekend, vacation relief, or float pool shifts. Staff may occasionally work at nearby sites and may be required to work overtime. New employees attend three weeks of paid, in-person training in Salem and must complete First Aid/CPR, Oregon Intervention System, and Medication Administration certifications.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required and must be maintained.
• Meet one of the following minimum qualification pathways: 18 months of experience providing direct individual care or training in a related human-services field; an associate or higher-level degree in a related human-services field; or a combination of the qualifying education and experience.
• Caregiving or volunteer experience with seniors, children, or people with disabilities may count toward experience requirements; lived experience may substitute for up to six months of required experience.
• Provide detailed work and education history, including paid and unpaid caregiving experience, with employer or experience context and dates.
• Experience following written and verbal instructions.
• Experience communicating clearly in writing and directly with varied individuals, adapting communication to the recipient.
• Experience resolving conflicts professionally and promptly.
• Experience using computers, tablets, and cell phones for documentation, reporting, and communication, such as internet, Microsoft Office applications, or Therap.
• Experience being a dependable team resource working toward a common goal.
• Experience following behavioral, mental-health, and/or medical supports or orders.
• Experience monitoring or assisting individuals with mental, emotional, behavioral, physical, or medical challenges.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays, and occasional overtime.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds frequently and to squat, bend, and stoop frequently.
• Ability to engage in and maintain Oregon Intervention System-approved restraints for up to one hour.
• Ability to complete required training certifications, including First Aid/CPR, Oregon Intervention System, and Medication Administration.
• Successful completion of required criminal-history and background checks and drug testing; authorization to work in the United States is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support in a 24-hour 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 the wishes and culture of the individuals served while maintaining health and safety.
• Assist individuals with accessing their community 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 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 in a state van or car as required.

Benefits

• 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.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Police and Fire pension plan, with full retirement benefits after 25 years of service.
• Resources and benefits offered through the AFSCME union.
• Three weeks of paid, in-person new employee training.
• Float Pool Staff receive an additional 10% above base pay for the duration of an assignment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree