Direct Support Specialist - Addictions Residential

Seven Counties Services•Louisville, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves teaching, modeling, and coaching daily living skills, facilitating psychoeducation classes on recovery, and planning community-based activities. The specialist will contribute to a safe and therapeutic environment, act as an ambassador for the organization by integrating clients into the community and educating the public, and collaborate with various community systems on behalf of individuals served. Responsibilities also include providing transportation, personal care, administering First Aid and CPR, supervising self-administered medication, identifying and avoiding allergens, communicating client information to staff and providers, assisting with program-specific assignments, documenting services, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting discharge planning and training for other staff. The position requires attendance at all required meetings and trainings.

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; monitors ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback.
Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery topics including medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, and stress management strategies.
Plans and facilitates community-based activities such as medical appointments, grocery shopping, and leisure/recreation/socialization; facilitates access to community resources like AA/NA meetings, school, and job placement.
Contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and other authorized behavior management techniques.
Serves as an "ambassador" by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and the organization's services.
Collaborates with community systems including school, landlords, family, transportation providers, and employers on behalf of individuals served.
Provides transportation using an SCS van or personal vehicle, ensuring adherence to safety practices; teaches and facilitates the use of public transportation systems.
Provides personal care as needed, including personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, and safe eating techniques.
Administers First Aid and CPR as needed.
Supervises self-administered medication according to specific clinical program protocols.
Identifies assigned clients’ food and/or medication allergies and exercises reasonable care to avoid exposure to allergens.
Communicates information relevant to care, treatment, and services with other 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 timely completing forms like attendance records, daily logs, shift/progress notes, incident reports, and time reports in accordance with standards.
Maintains confidentiality of protected health information consistent with procedures and law.
Assists with discharge planning as needed.
Provides support for additional training needs of direct support staff as needed.
Attends and participates in all required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.