Direct Support Staff
About The Position
The Direct Support Staff position provides home care and community-based Recovery Assistant services in Greenwich, Connecticut. Services must last at least 15 minutes and are provided to participants in their homes and other community settings, according to each participant’s Recovery Plan. The role involves assisting or cueing participants with daily living activities, health and safety practices, community engagement, appointments, and independent participation in social, family, and community life. Staff may also travel with a participant while engaged in a qualifying waiver service activity and participate in Recovery Plan development or quarterly update meetings when requested by the DMHAS Support Coordinator.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Have a valid Connecticut driver's license or state-issued identification card.
- Be registered with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (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 to participants in their homes and other community settings, in service periods of at least 15 minutes and according to the Recovery Plan.
- Perform, assist with, or cue participants to complete meal planning and preparation, shopping, housekeeping, laundry, clothing mending, and basic household tasks.
- Assist or cue participants with dressing, personal grooming, bathing, and oral care.
- Assist or cue participants in the appropriate use of emergency medical services and routine medical and dental services.
- Assist or cue participants with using medications as prescribed, including self-administration.
- Support participation in family, social, and recreational activities and the appropriate use of natural community supports.
- Encourage healthy habits, including a healthy diet, exercise, and behaviors designed to alleviate stress.
- Support participants in fulfilling personal commitments and attending 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, 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 sport-related activities.
- Engage in other activities directed at reducing disability, restoring functioning, and supporting independent participation in social, interpersonal, family, or 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
Education Level
High school or GED
