Direct Support Specialist, Full time - Addictions

Seven Counties Services•Louisville, KY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This full-time position focuses on providing direct support to individuals receiving services for the treatment of mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health conditions. The role involves teaching, modeling, and coaching daily living activities, facilitating community integration, and ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment. The specialist will also be responsible for documentation, communication with staff and external providers, and assisting with discharge planning and staff training.

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.
COVID and Influenza vaccinations required.

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 performance of 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 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 other authorized behavior management techniques.
Serves as an "ambassador" by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and SCS's services.
Collaborates with community systems (school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer) on behalf of individuals served.
Provides transportation using 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 client food and/or medication allergies and exercises care to avoid exposure.
Communicates relevant information to other SCS staff and authorized non-SCS providers to ensure appropriate care.
May take responsibility for specific program assignments (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 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.