Direct Support Specialist to Peer Student - Child and Family

Seven Counties Services•Louisville, KY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

While working toward obtaining education credentials required to become a Certified Youth Peer Support Specialist/Family Peer Support Specialist as defined, acts exclusively in the capacity of a Direct Support Specialist. This role involves teaching, modeling, and coaching activities of daily living (ADL) such as personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, and educational/vocational goal-setting. The specialist will monitor ADL skills, provide therapeutic feedback, and teach psychoeducation classes on recovery topics. Planning and facilitating community-based activities, including medical appointments, grocery shopping, and leisure/socialization, is a key responsibility, as is facilitating access to community resources like AA/NA meetings, schools, and job placement services. The role contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment through verbal de-escalation and authorized behavior management techniques. The specialist will act as an "ambassador" for the organization and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and the organization's services. Collaboration with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e.g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer) is essential. Transportation services will be provided, including driving an organization van or personal vehicle, with adherence to safety practices. The specialist will also teach and facilitate the use of public transportation systems. Personal care may be required, including assistance with personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, and safe eating techniques. Administering First Aid and CPR, and supervising self-administered medication according to program protocols, may also be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of Peer Support training as a Certified Youth Peer Support Specialist or Family Peer Support Specialist and successful attainment of Peer Support certification within 90 days of hire.
Creation of a TRIS account allowing for primary source verification of the credential.
Successful primary source validation of the required credential.
If the position works with clients of substance use disorder, a Temporary Registered Alcohol & Drug Peer Support Specialist will need to be obtained and work towards a Registered Alcohol and Drug Peer Support Specialist within 9 months of employment.
Failure to successfully complete all requirements within the specified timeframe will result in separation of employment.
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.

Responsibilities

Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) (e. g., personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal-setting, nutrition needs).
Monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback.
Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery (e. g., medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies).
Plans and facilitates community-based activities (e. g., medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation / socialization).
Facilitates access to community resources (e. g., AA/NA meetings, school, job placement).
Contributes to safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques.
Serves as “ambassador” of SCS and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and about SCS’s services and programming.
Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e. g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer).
Provides transportation (e. g., driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (e. g., driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats).
Teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems.
Provides personal care, as needed (e. g., personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, safe eating techniques).
Administers First Aid and CPR, as needed.
Supervises self-administered medication, depending on the specific clinical program’s protocols.