Direct Support Professional/Older Adults

Gesher Human Services•Southfield, MI

67d

About The Position

Gesher Human Services is a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home, and in the community. Gesher's workforce development, behavioral health, and inclusion programming serves all Metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community. GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION Providing care and support to older adults with dementia in a day program setting.

Requirements

Valid Michigan driver's license.
Successful completion of Agency dementia training within the probationary period.
Interpersonal skills sufficient to communicate with participants, public and staff.
Reading skills sufficient to follow written instructions and writing skills sufficient to maintain logs and schedules.
Interpersonal skills sufficient to communicate with public and co-workers, which may include older adults and individuals with physical and/or mental impairments.
Driving record must meet safe driving standards as established by Agency insurance carrier.

Nice To Haves

Six months related work experience with senior adults who have cognitive, memory, and/or physical impairments preferred.
Experience providing personal care and/or therapeutic activities preferred.
Six months to one-year related driving experience; background with 20 foot or larger buses preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop an effective working relationship with each participant based upon knowledge of each participant's psychosocial and physical health assessment.
Help develop and monitor participants' care plans.
With input from professional staff, lead activity groups.
Provide one-to-one support to participants when indicated.
Assist participants with personal care, including toileting, hygiene, grooming, and bathing when applicable. Provide assistance in transferring individuals with physical impairments.
Ensure safety of participants by monitoring their health status, behavior, and immediate environment.
Accompany participants on outings to community sites.
Assist with cleaning program areas as needed to maintain a sanitary environment, avoid risk to participants and enhance program operation.
Prepare food for participants' breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.
Transport designated passengers in SMART vehicle according to assigned routes and schedules.
Ensure that transportation safety requirements are met.
Ensure that all required vehicle maintenance is carried out on a timely basis, by checking and maintaining minor items and requesting/scheduling more extensive service. Clean the vehicle interior as needed.
Attend technical/driving-related and program-related seminar(s) as necessary.
Assist passengers on and off vehicle to ensure their safety, providing door-through-door escort as needed.
Maintain trip records.
Serve on Agency committee(s) as appointed.
Provide supportive intervention to family caregivers, as requested.