Direct Support Specialist - Addictions Residential

Seven Counties Services•Louisville, KY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves providing direct support to individuals in an addictions residential setting. The specialist will teach, model, and coach daily living skills, facilitate psychoeducation classes on recovery topics, and plan community-based activities. A key aspect of the role is contributing to a safe and therapeutic environment, acting as an ambassador for the organization by integrating clients into the community and educating the public. The position also requires collaboration with various community systems, providing transportation, personal care as needed, administering First Aid and CPR, supervising self-administered medication, and maintaining client confidentiality. Documentation of services and participation in meetings and trainings are also essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Zero to one year full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health condition.
Ability to provide nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities.
Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals.
Good interpersonal skills.
Teaching skills.
Patience and empathy.
Maturity and judgment.
18 years of age or older.
Valid driver’s license.
Proof of automobile liability insurance.
Positive driving record (may not have six or more points against the driving license).

Responsibilities

Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) such as personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, and educational/vocational goal-setting.
Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery topics including medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, and stress management.
Plans and facilitates community-based activities like medical appointments, grocery shopping, and leisure/recreation/socialization.
Facilitates access to community resources such as AA/NA meetings, school, and job placement.
Contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and authorized behavior management techniques.
Serves as an ambassador by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about disabilities and the organization's services.
Collaborates with community systems (school, landlord, family, transportation, employer) on behalf of individuals served.
Provides transportation using an SCS van or personal vehicle, adhering to safety practices, and teaches/facilitates the use of public transportation.
Provides personal care, including personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, and safe eating techniques.
Administers First Aid and CPR as needed.
Supervises self-administered medication according to program protocols.
Identifies client food and/or medication allergies and exercises care to avoid allergens.
Communicates relevant information with SCS staff and authorized non-SCS providers to ensure appropriate care.
May take responsibility for specific program assignments, such as food programs or admissions at the Crisis Stabilization Unit.
Documents services and care provided by completing forms like attendance records, daily logs, progress notes, and incident reports.
Maintains confidentiality of protected health information.
Assists with discharge planning as needed.
Provides support for additional training needs of direct support staff.
Attends and participates in required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.