Direct Support Staff (Home Care)
About The Position
The Direct Support Staff member provides home care services in Clinton, Connecticut, according to the participant’s Recovery Plan. Recovery Assistant services must be at least 15 minutes in duration and may be provided in the participant’s home or other community settings. The role supports participants with physical or psychiatric disabilities by performing tasks they cannot perform independently or by assisting or cueing them to participate in daily living, health, social, and community activities. The position also involves supportive, problem-solving discussions; building a helpful companionship relationship; accompanying participants to appointments and other necessary activities; and supporting disability-related goals, independent functioning, and community integration. The employee may participate in Recovery Plan development and quarterly update meetings if requested by the DMHAS Support Coordinator, and may travel with a participant while engaged in a qualifying waiver service activity. Hours vary according to the Recovery Plan.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Must have a valid Connecticut driver's license or state-issued identification card.
- Must be registered with DMHAS as having completed an approved Recovery Assistant training program.
- Must have a criminal background check conducted within six months of application.
- Must meet DMHAS continuing education and/or training requirements.
Responsibilities
- Perform or assist with meal planning and preparation, shopping, housekeeping, and basic household tasks, or cue participants to perform these tasks.
- Assist with or cue participants in dressing, grooming, bathing, and oral hygiene.
- Support participants in the appropriate use of emergency medical services and routine medical and dental services.
- Assist or cue participants in family, social, recreational, and community-support activities.
- Support participants in taking medications as prescribed, including self-administration, and in developing healthy habits such as healthy eating, exercise, and stress-alleviating behaviors.
- Assist or cue participants to fulfill personal commitments and attend scheduled clinical, vocational, educational, and court appointments or meetings.
- Assist or cue participants to avoid risky behaviors, substance abuse, overspending, and unnecessary conflicts.
- Engage in supportive, problem-solving discussions and establish and maintain a helpful, supportive companionship relationship with the participant.
- Escort participants to necessary medical, dental, or personal business appointments; read to or for them; and engage in or discuss recreational, hobby, or sports activities.
- Provide other activities directed at reducing disability, restoring functioning, and supporting independent participation in social, interpersonal, family, and community activities and community reintegration.
- Participate in waiver Recovery Plan development and quarterly Recovery Plan update meetings when requested by the DMHAS Support Coordinator.
- Travel with a participant when also engaged in a qualifying waiver service activity.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
