Direct Support Professional - 11 Woodlands

Woods Services•Middletown Township, PA

About The Position

Overview Actively participates in and contributes to the therapeutic community through the implementation, coordination, and support of programmatic components. Responsible for the supervision, safety, welfare and whereabouts of assigned clients at all times by actively supervising clients in accordance with each client’s needs, treatment goals, and Woods’ Level of Supervision policy. Be a client advocate by ensuring Woods’ clients are free from abuse and mistreatment. Immediately report any incident of suspected abuse or mistreatment and cooperate fully with all necessary investigations. Provides assistance, instruction and guidance toward client independence in such areas as dressing, washing, feeding, personal hygiene, tooth brushing, toileting, social interactions, effective/appropriate communications techniques, etc. Responsibilities Responsible to have a clear understanding of and maintain an operational knowledge of Woods’ Vision, Mission, and Core Values. Woods’ Core Values of Health and Safety, Respect, Innovation, Leadership, Advocacy, and Courage are to be applied to all aspects of each residential counselor’s role and responsibilities. Responsible for the care and supervision of a group of clients in the Residential and/or Day Program areas. Responsible for establishing a positive, supportive relationship with clients. Responsible for providing a safe, warm, homelike atmosphere throughout the Residential Units and assists clients in maintaining their personal space/possessions. Responsible for notifying immediate supervisor of any deficiencies in his/her assigned area and/or unit which may be in violation of regulation/standards which govern the facility. Responsible for following policies and procedures of Woods. Responsible to maintain upkeep of personal clothing and other personal possessions of assigned clients. Responsible for maintaining a positive working relationship with all supervisory, support, peer and other Woods employees throughout the Residential Unit and Day Program areas. Actively participates in and contributes to the therapeutic community through the implementation, coordination, and support of programmatic components. Responsible for the supervision, safety, welfare and whereabouts of assigned clients at all times by actively supervising clients in accordance with each client’s needs, treatment goals, and Woods’ Level of Supervision policy. Be a client advocate by ensuring Woods’ clients are free from abuse and mistreatment. Immediately report any incident of suspected abuse or mistreatment and cooperate fully with all necessary investigations. Provides assistance, instruction and guidance toward client independence in such areas as dressing, washing, feeding, personal hygiene, tooth brushing, toileting, social interactions, effective/appropriate communications techniques, etc. Relates to clients and family members in a manner that reflects an awareness of, and respect for individual variances including cognitive and developmental functioning, as well as social behavior, familial, religious, cultural, and ethnic differences. Serves as a role model to clients with respect to mature appropriate behavior: problem solving and coping responses, initiative, active listening and other social skills, punctuality, grooming and dress, and accepting direction from supervisory staff. Serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, making recommendations for the development and/or implementation of ISPs /IHPs and IEPs designed to meet the individual goals set for assigned clients. Implement crisis stabilization procedures as directed by the Residential Director or designee and in accordance with established policies and procedures. In the event of any emergency, responds in accordance to established emergency response procedures. Implement the SMART principles and other therapeutic principles/skills including de-escalation, counseling, conflict resolution, and debriefing. Use safety techniques and restraint procedures in accordance with Woods’ policy and training curriculum. Implement behavior management and other therapeutic strategies as directed by the program psychologist/clinician and program specialist. Responsible for serving and assisting clients at meals, utilizing adaptive equipment (as prescribed) and for providing close supervision and quality interactions at mealtime. Ensure a safe living environment for clients by identifying and immediately reporting any safety concerns observed. Teach and practice safety protocols with clients to prepare them for the highest level of independence possible. Responsible for making beds, sorting laundry, and maintaining neat and orderly arrangement of personal belongings and physical environments for assigned clients. Responsible to attend in-service training annually in accordance with Woods’ policy and licensing/placing agency requirements. Responsible to collect data on all program goals as assigned. Responsible to document seizures, falls, accidents/injuries and maladaptive behaviors on the appropriate forms. Maintains the confidentiality of clients and their families/guardians. May be requested to drive the program’s van/car. If driving, must be 21 years of age and provide proof of valid drivers’ license and successfully complete Woods driver training program. Plans and implements individual and group self-help/leisure activities based upon the particular needs of assigned clients. Chaperones clients as assigned to on and off campus medical appointments, trips, etc. Actively supports day program supervision as directed by the teacher/instructor. Supports clients’ academic and vocational endeavors in a manner that emphasizes client strengths and accomplishments. Provides individualized instruction and group behavior management assistance as directed by the teacher/instructor. Participates in relaying daily written and verbal instructions to unit personnel on succeeding shift. Responsible to obtain required health screenings and testing via the Employee Health office as required by regulatory agencies. Responsible to maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality on the assigned shift. All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED is required.
One year experience in a residential care facility or equivalent is preferred.
Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, be agile, physically pursue clients on foot, physically restrain, bend, squat, stretch, reach, push up and stand for several hours at a time.
To be a driver, must be 21 years of age and provide proof of a valid driver’s license, and complete a Woods Services drivers training program.
Must be able to read, write, enter dates and follow verbal/written directions, prepare written reports, and complete forms in English.
Must be able to verbally communicate in English and direct/respond to client’s needs.
Must be 21 years of age to work in a 3800 licensed building, (or in MW, 18 to work in a 6400 licensed building).
Must be 21 to work on the 3rd shift.
Must be able to verbally communicate emergency information over the telephone.
Must complete all required training: 40 hours annually for the 3800 licensed homes and 24 hours annually for the 6400 licensed homes.

Nice To Haves

One year experience in a residential care facility or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively participates in and contributes to the therapeutic community through the implementation, coordination, and support of programmatic components.
Responsible for the supervision, safety, welfare and whereabouts of assigned clients at all times by actively supervising clients in accordance with each client’s needs, treatment goals, and Woods’ Level of Supervision policy.
Be a client advocate by ensuring Woods’ clients are free from abuse and mistreatment. Immediately report any incident of suspected abuse or mistreatment and cooperate fully with all necessary investigations.
Provides assistance, instruction and guidance toward client independence in such areas as dressing, washing, feeding, personal hygiene, tooth brushing, toileting, social interactions, effective/appropriate communications techniques, etc.
Responsible to have a clear understanding of and maintain an operational knowledge of Woods’ Vision, Mission, and Core Values.
Responsible for the care and supervision of a group of clients in the Residential and/or Day Program areas.
Responsible for establishing a positive, supportive relationship with clients.
Responsible for providing a safe, warm, homelike atmosphere throughout the Residential Units and assists clients in maintaining their personal space/possessions.
Responsible for notifying immediate supervisor of any deficiencies in his/her assigned area and/or unit which may be in violation of regulation/standards which govern the facility.
Responsible for following policies and procedures of Woods.
Responsible to maintain upkeep of personal clothing and other personal possessions of assigned clients.
Responsible for maintaining a positive working relationship with all supervisory, support, peer and other Woods employees throughout the Residential Unit and Day Program areas.
Relates to clients and family members in a manner that reflects an awareness of, and respect for individual variances including cognitive and developmental functioning, as well as social behavior, familial, religious, cultural, and ethnic differences.
Serves as a role model to clients with respect to mature appropriate behavior: problem solving and coping responses, initiative, active listening and other social skills, punctuality, grooming and dress, and accepting direction from supervisory staff.
Serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, making recommendations for the development and/or implementation of ISPs /IHPs and IEPs designed to meet the individual goals set for assigned clients.
Implement crisis stabilization procedures as directed by the Residential Director or designee and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Implement the SMART principles and other therapeutic principles/skills including de-escalation, counseling, conflict resolution, and debriefing.
Use safety techniques and restraint procedures in accordance with Woods’ policy and training curriculum.
Implement behavior management and other therapeutic strategies as directed by the program psychologist/clinician and program specialist.
Responsible for serving and assisting clients at meals, utilizing adaptive equipment (as prescribed) and for providing close supervision and quality interactions at mealtime.
Ensure a safe living environment for clients by identifying and immediately reporting any safety concerns observed.
Teach and practice safety protocols with clients to prepare them for the highest level of independence possible.
Responsible for making beds, sorting laundry, and maintaining neat and orderly arrangement of personal belongings and physical environments for assigned clients.
Responsible to attend in-service training annually in accordance with Woods’ policy and licensing/placing agency requirements.
Responsible to collect data on all program goals as assigned.
Responsible to document seizures, falls, accidents/injuries and maladaptive behaviors on the appropriate forms.
Maintains the confidentiality of clients and their families/guardians.
May be requested to drive the program’s van/car.
Plans and implements individual and group self-help/leisure activities based upon the particular needs of assigned clients.
Chaperones clients as assigned to on and off campus medical appointments, trips, etc.
Actively supports day program supervision as directed by the teacher/instructor.
Supports clients’ academic and vocational endeavors in a manner that emphasizes client strengths and accomplishments.
Provides individualized instruction and group behavior management assistance as directed by the teacher/instructor.
Participates in relaying daily written and verbal instructions to unit personnel on succeeding shift.
Responsible to obtain required health screenings and testing via the Employee Health office as required by regulatory agencies.
Responsible to maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality on the assigned shift.
All other duties as assigned.