Direct Support Specialist - Adult Crisis Center

Seven Counties Services•Louisville, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time position for a Direct Support Specialist in an Adult Crisis Center, working the second shift (3 pm - 11 pm). The role involves teaching, modeling, and coaching self-sufficiency and self-management skills to individuals receiving services for mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health conditions. Responsibilities include monitoring and documenting client progress, teaching psychoeducation classes, planning and facilitating community-based activities, and contributing to a safe and therapeutic environment. The specialist will also act as an "ambassador" by integrating clients into the community and educating others about disabilities and the organization's services. Collaboration with community systems, providing transportation, administering First Aid and CPR, supervising self-administered medication, and maintaining client confidentiality are also key aspects of the role. The position requires timely documentation of services and participation in 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 good judgment.
Lifting a maximum of 50 pounds.
18 years of age or older.
Valid driver’s license.
Proof of automobile liability insurance.
Positive driving record.
Adherence to principle-centered leadership, customer service responsiveness, and continuous quality improvement.
Working knowledge of and adherence to all policies and procedures related to safety management and Joint Commission standards.

Responsibilities

Teaches, models, and coaches self-sufficiency and self-management skills (personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational/vocational goal-setting, nutrition needs).
Monitors and documents teaching and client progress.
Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery topics (medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies).
Plans and facilitates community-based activities (medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation/socialization).
Facilitates access to community resources (AA/NA meetings, school, 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 people with disabilities and the organization's services.
Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer).
Provides transportation (driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to safety practices.
Teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems.
Provides assistance with basic life skills as needed.
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.
Communicates relevant information with other staff and authorized non-SCS providers to ensure appropriate care.
May take responsibility for specific assignments within the program (e.g., food programs, admissions at Crisis Stabilization Unit).
Documents services and care provided by timely completing various forms (attendance records, daily logs, shift/progress notes, incident reports, time reports).
Maintains confidentiality of protected health information.
Assists/reviews with discharge planning as needed.
Provides support for additional training needs of direct support staff.
Attends and participates in all required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.