Direct Support Specialist Part time - Adult Crisis Center

Seven Counties Services•Louisville, KY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a part-time position for the Adult Crisis Center, specifically for the second shift (3 PM - 11 PM). The role involves teaching, modeling, and coaching self-sufficiency and self-management skills to individuals receiving services. This includes areas like personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, and goal-setting. The specialist will also teach psychoeducation classes, plan and facilitate community-based activities, and collaborate with community systems on behalf of clients. Responsibilities include providing transportation, administering First Aid and CPR, supervising self-administered medication, identifying allergies, communicating care information, documenting services, maintaining confidentiality, assisting with discharge planning, supporting staff training, and attending meetings and trainings. The role requires adherence to safety practices and Joint Commission standards.

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.
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).
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 using verbal de-escalation and behavior management techniques.
Serves as an ambassador by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about disabilities and SCS services.
Collaborates with community systems (school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer) on behalf of individuals served.
Provides transportation (SCS van or personal vehicle), adhering to safety practices (driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats).
Teaches and facilitates the 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 program protocols.
Identifies food and/or medication allergies and avoids exposure.
Communicates relevant care, treatment, and service information with SCS staff and authorized non-SCS providers.
May take responsibility for specific program assignments (e.g., food programs, admissions at Crisis Stabilization Unit).
Documents services and care provided by completing 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.