Direct Support Staff
About The Position
The Direct Support Staff position provides home care services in Westbrook, Connecticut. Hours vary according to the participant’s Recovery Plan. Services of at least 15 minutes are provided in the participant’s home and other community settings. Staff support participants with daily living tasks, personal care, health and safety, community participation, and independent functioning, providing assistance or cues when a participant is unable to perform tasks because of a physical or psychiatric disability. The role also involves supportive, problem-solving discussions and building a helpful companionship relationship with participants. Staff may escort participants to appointments, take part in recreational activities, support community integration, participate in Recovery Plan development and quarterly update meetings when requested by the DMHAS Support Coordinator, and travel with participants while engaged in a qualifying waiver service activity.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have at least a high school diploma or GED.
- Possess a valid Connecticut driver's license or a 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 any continuing education and/or training requirements set by DMHAS.
Responsibilities
- Assist or cue participants with meal planning and preparation, shopping, housekeeping, and basic household tasks.
- Assist or cue participants with dressing, grooming, bathing, oral care, and other personal hygiene.
- Support participants in the appropriate use of emergency medical services, routine medical and dental services, and prescribed medications, including self-administration.
- Assist or cue participants to take part in family, social, and recreational activities and to use natural community supports.
- Encourage healthy habits, including a healthy diet, exercise, and behaviors designed to alleviate stress.
- Assist or cue participants to 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.
- Provide supportive, problem-solving discussions and establish 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.
- 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 Recovery Plan update meetings if requested by the DMHAS Support Coordinator.
- Travel with a participant when also engaged in a qualifying waiver service activity.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
