Direct Support Specialist, Full time - Addictions

Seven Counties Services•Louisville, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Specialist role focuses on teaching, modeling, and coaching individuals in activities of daily living (ADL) such as personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, and educational/vocational goal-setting. The position involves teaching psychoeducation classes on recovery topics, planning and facilitating community-based activities like medical appointments and social outings, and connecting clients with community resources such as AA/NA meetings. The specialist contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment by using de-escalation techniques and other behavior management strategies. They act as an ambassador for the organization by integrating clients into the community and educating the public about disabilities and the organization's services. Collaboration with community systems like schools, landlords, and employers is a key aspect of the role. The position also includes providing transportation, personal care assistance, administering First Aid and CPR, supervising self-administered medication, identifying and avoiding food/medication allergens, and communicating client information to staff and authorized providers. Additional responsibilities may include program-specific assignments, documenting services, maintaining confidentiality, assisting with discharge planning, supporting training for other staff, and attending 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.
No more than 6 points on driving record.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) including personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, and educational/vocational goal-setting.
Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery topics such as 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 people with disabilities and the organization's services.
Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served, including school, landlord, family, transportation providers, and employers.
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.
Communicates relevant information about care, treatment, and services with other staff and authorized non-SCS providers.
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 various forms, including attendance records, daily logs, shift/progress notes, incident reports, and time 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 all required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.