Direct Support Staff (Home Care)
About The Position
The Direct Support Staff member provides Recovery Assistant services in a participant’s home and other community settings in Danielson, Connecticut. Services are provided for at least 15 minutes and hours vary according to the participant’s Recovery Plan. The role assists or cues participants who are unable to complete tasks independently because of a physical or psychiatric disability, while supporting daily living, health, safety, social engagement, and greater independence. The position includes helping with household tasks and personal care; encouraging appropriate use of medical services, medications, community supports, and healthy habits; supporting attendance at appointments and fulfillment of commitments; and helping participants avoid risky behaviors and substance abuse. Staff also build a supportive companionship relationship, may accompany participants to appointments, and may participate in Recovery Plan development or quarterly update meetings when requested by the DMHAS Support Coordinator.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have at least a high school diploma or GED.
- Have a valid Connecticut driver’s license or state-issued identification card.
- Be registered with DMHAS as having completed an approved Recovery Assistant training program.
- Have a criminal background check conducted within six months of application.
- Meet continuing education and/or training requirements set by DMHAS.
Responsibilities
- Provide Recovery Assistant services of at least 15 minutes in participants’ homes and other community settings.
- Assist or cue participants with meal planning and preparation, shopping, housekeeping, laundry, basic household tasks, and bill-paying-related issues when disability prevents independent completion.
- Assist or cue participants with dressing, grooming, bathing, and oral hygiene.
- Support appropriate use of emergency medical services and routine medical and dental services.
- Assist or cue participants to use prescribed medications, including self-administration.
- Encourage healthy habits, including a healthy diet, exercise, and stress-alleviating behaviors.
- Support participation in family, social, and recreational activities and use of natural community supports.
- Help participants fulfill personal commitments and attend scheduled clinical, vocational, educational, and judicial or court appointments and 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 companionship relationship with participants.
- Escort participants to necessary medical, dental, or personal business appointments.
- Read to or for participants and engage in or discuss recreational, hobby, or sports-related activities.
- Support activities that reduce disability, restore functioning, and promote independent participation in social, interpersonal, family, and community activities, community reintegration, and independence.
- Participate in waiver Recovery Plan development and quarterly 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
Education Level
High school or GED
