Direct Support Staff (Must be Bilingual Spanish)
About The Position
This home care position provides Recovery Assistant services to participants in their homes and other community settings in New Haven, Connecticut. Services are provided for at least 15 minutes and according to the participant’s Recovery Plan. The role supports participants who, because of physical or psychiatric disabilities, are unable to perform certain tasks independently or need assistance or cues to do so. The Direct Support Staff member also provides supportive discussions and companionship to help participants restore functioning, participate independently in social and community life, and achieve community reintegration.
Requirements
- Must be bilingual in Spanish.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must possess at least a high school diploma or GED.
- Must possess a valid Connecticut driver's license or state-issued identification card.
- Must be registered with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) as having completed an approved Recovery Assistant training program.
- Must have a criminal background check conducted within six months of application.
- Must meet continuing education and/or training requirements set by DMHAS.
Responsibilities
- Perform or assist with meal planning and preparation, shopping, housekeeping, and basic household tasks, or cue participants to perform them.
- Assist with dressing, personal grooming, and hygiene, including bathing, dressing, and oral care.
- Support participants in the appropriate use of emergency medical services and routine medical and dental services.
- Assist or cue participants to use prescribed medications, including self-administration.
- Support healthy habits, including a healthy diet, exercise, and stress-alleviating behaviors.
- Assist or cue participants to engage in family, social, and recreational activities and use natural community supports such as social clubs and faith-based 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.
- Conduct supportive, problem-solving discussions and establish and maintain a helpful, supportive 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 activities.
- Support activities directed at reducing disability, restoring functioning, and achieving independent participation in social, interpersonal, family, or community activities and community reintegration.
- Participate in waiver Recovery Plan development and quarterly Recovery Plan update meetings if 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
