Direct Support Professional

Oak Hill/Gilead•Burlington, CT

About The Position

Oak Hill is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Residential Program Worker (RPW) to provide direct support to individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. This person will inspire others and make a life changing impact while achieving professional growth and personal fulfillment. Oak Hill sets the standard, partnering with people with disabilities, to provide services and solutions promoting independence, education, health, and dignity. This role will help expand Oak Hill’s ability to identify and address diverse needs within the community. Along with the individuals we serve, Oak Hill is committed to empowering our staff. When you join our team as an RPW, our team will support you to reach your career goals. We offer professional development, tuition reimbursement, and career pathways that allow you to develop your career while an Oak Hill employee. The Residential Program Worker (RPW) at Oak Hill implements policies, procedures and programs designed to enhance independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities, in keeping with Oak Hill’s mission statement.

Responsibilities

Becomes familiar with, and implements Oak Hill's policies and procedures designed to fulfill specified goals and objectives of programs for individuals with disabilities by providing assistance, guidance and instruction in activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, the serving and feeding of meals; housekeeping activities; social and recreational activities; learning adaptive behaviors; medication administration and other activities related to maintaining their well-being.
Provides information for program maintenance and evaluation, and meets Oak Hill’s policies, procedures, licensing and certification regulations by collecting, recording and charting data, including electronically maintained records.
Maintains program participants’ cleanliness, comfort and well-being and facilitates the development and maintenance of self-help and daily living skills by providing guidance and assistance in the completion of personal hygiene tasks, such as giving baths and showers, brushing teeth, toileting, choosing appropriate clothing, and other related activities.
Promotes the learning of positive social behaviors by implementing individual behavior support plans as specified in each participant’s IP/OPS/IEP; noting relevant observations as required.
Pursues program goals and objectives by implementing individual programs following applicable policies and procedures.
Facilitates program implementation by preparing materials for program participant-related activities or projects as needed.
Ensures effective program implementation by developing and maintaining familiarity with individual program participant’s programs, policies, procedures and regulations affecting programs; and observing applicable policies, procedures and regulations.
Maintains program participant’s health and well-being by promoting/encouraging self-administration of prescription and non-prescription medications; administering medication; documenting medication administration, and any errors which may occur, as specified in Oak Hill’s policies and procedures; observing and reporting on changes in behavior, physical and mental appearance to so that issues can be addressed as needed.
Ensures the safety of program participants by teaching safety measures where possible; and overseeing and monitoring them at all times, as per individual supervision guidelines.
Protects program participants and employees by applying Emergency First Aid and CPR procedures when necessary, and implementing other emergency procedures such as evacuation in the event of fire, heating failure or other situation; using initiative and good judgment in emergencies where policies and procedures may not be specified; using the least intrusive methods in situations where there is risk of injury (such as the need for PMT); exercising relevant safety measures during transportation.
Ensures program participant and staff safety by using designated equipment and following specified guidelines, policies and procedures when lifting and transferring.
Facilitates and promotes program participant’s integration into their communities by transporting them to and from work, community trips, medical appointments, shopping trips, dining out, and recreation and leisure activities.
Maintains and enhances program participant’s health, independence and self-esteem by teaching meal preparation, and or assisting in preparation and feeding as needed, following posted menus and individual dietary guidelines.
Ensures a safe and hygienic environment in the kitchen, bathrooms and other areas of community residences/group homes by cleaning, dusting, washing such areas on a regular basis, and as needed.
Helps to meet the needs of program participants by shopping for clothing, grocery, and personal or household supplies.
Ensures monitoring of funds by accounting for household petty cash and program participants’ cash.
Maintains program participants’ clothing by laundering, mending, ironing and folding clothing as needed.
Maintains program participant and employee safety on driveways, walkways and other areas by removing any objects that would create a hazard, including snow, as needed.
Ensures program participant participation in programs by initiating activities and interaction.
Assists in ensuring adequate staffing for program maintenance by filling vacancies as needed, following specified policies and procedures, and remaining on the job beyond the end of a shift until replacement arrives as needed.
Assists in monitoring and evaluating program participants’ progress and in the development or modification of individual programs by attending team meetings and providing relevant information to managers, program supervisors and other team members.
Meets training guidelines, certification requirements, and ensures continued professional development by attending general and house specific staff meetings and training programs, including New Employee Orientation, (for new staff).
Assists in ensuring agency operation by developing awareness of, and adhering to Oak Hill policies and procedures, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and federal certification and licensing requirements; interacting in a professional manner with other employees, cooperating with managers, supervisors, specialized staff, administration, parents, DDS and federal representatives, and all authorized visitors.
Facilitates consistency in programs during transition by assisting in the orientation of new employees, as needed.
Acts as role model for residents and enhances their self-esteem by interacting in a professional and age appropriate manner.
Observes and maintains confidentiality by treating information regarding program participants with discretion and complying with all applicable policies and procedures protecting the identity and medical information of program participants.
Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.