Direct Support Professional - Part Time

Oak Hill/Gilead • Andover, CT

6d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll support individuals in living healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. This role involves supporting daily living activities, health and wellness, community inclusion, nutrition and mealtime, physical support, documentation and compliance, responding to emergencies and behavioral needs, and working as a team. 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. The Residential Program Worker works under the general supervision of the Group Home Manager and the Program Supervisor and does not supervise other employees. This individual will have contact with program participants, other employees, medical personnel, parents, guardians, employers and others in the community.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to transport individuals in agency vehicles.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, fingerprinting, and pre-employment health screenings.
• Ability to complete required training programs and maintain necessary certifications.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and professional work environment in accordance with Oak Hill policies.
• Commitment to continuity of care, including an occasional need to stay beyond a scheduled shift until coverage is in place.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), caregiver, home health aide, behavioral health technician, or in a related human services role.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, and hygiene needs, based on individual preferences and support plans.
• Providing assistance with continence care as needed.
• Encouraging independence and skill development whenever possible.
• Monitoring and documenting health-related information, including vital signs when required.
• Administering medications and maintaining accurate medication records in accordance with training, certification requirements, and nursing directives.
• Following individualized health care plans and supporting overall well-being.
• Transporting individuals to appointments, recreational activities, community events, and other destinations using agency vehicles.
• Encouraging participation in community life, social opportunities, and personal interests.
• Preparing meals and snacks according to menus, dietary requirements, and personal preferences.
• Providing support during meals as needed.
• Assisting individuals with mobility and transfers using approved techniques, adaptive equipment, lift systems, ramps, and wheelchair securement devices as required.
• Accurately documenting daily activities, health information, progress notes, incidents, and medication administration in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Following all applicable Oak Hill, DDS, DPH, HIPAA, and regulatory requirements.
• Following established emergency procedures and safety protocols.
• Implementing behavioral support strategies and documenting related activities.
• Applying trained intervention techniques and administering First Aid/CPR when required.
• Communicating effectively with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Participating in required meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development.
• 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.

Benefits

• Paid training and certifications, including DDS Medication Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Career mobility opportunities after six months, including transfers and additional shift opportunities.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, personal days, and holidays.
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with an annual Oak Hill contribution equal to 9.5% of eligible gross earnings, regardless of employee contribution.
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance options, including employer-paid coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement and career development opportunities.
• Employee recognition and appreciation programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED