Direct Support Worker-Day

Catholic Charities • Manchester, CT

136d

About The Position

A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services and providing care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The position calls for the care and close supervision of individuals in a residential setting.

GENERAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Treat individuals with respect, dignity and compassion at all times
2. Daily living 

Clean, maintain and participate in the upkeep of the home and properties to ensure client and staff safety
 Assist individuals with:
 Plan, purchase and prepare meals according to individual’s dietary needs
 Plan and participate in leisure time and recreational activities
New social opportunities/experiences to the individuals
 Cope effectively with social, emotional and physical situations
Assist clients with daily living activities (dressing, showering, etc) as needed

3. Documentation / Communication:

Documentation provided by staff is considered a legal document. Ensure all individual data is recorded accurately in individual’s record in Therap and all program documentation is competed on time

Accumulate and record data relevant to behavioral programs, review individuals progress, developmental needs and barriers impeding progress
Identify and prioritize individuals' needs
Complete comprehensive documentation
Report seizures, behavioral episodes, injury or illness, client concerns, and/or other medically or emotionally related problems to the house manager, supervisor, nurse and team members. Reports suspected allegation of abuse/neglect to the Abuse Investigation Division in a timely manner immediately.
Report any incidents or evidence of violation of residents’ rights to Administrator and/or appropriate parties immediately.
Ensure regular, professional communication with all team members

4. Trainings

Attend and successfully complete all mandatory trainings/meetings required by DDS and the agency.
Successful completion of DDS Medication Administration Certification. Yearly maintenance of Med Certification

5. HIPAA

Maintain and safeguard individuals' private information. This includes but is not limited to diagnoses, health record, and program documentation.

6. Additional duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred or High school Diploma with 2 years’ experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Must have Medication Administration Certification or must be able to obtain Medication Administration Certification upon the next available Med Cert Course immediately following hire.
• Demonstrates organizational ability, communicates effectively with individuals served and members of the team.
• Applicants will be subject to criminal and driving history background checks.
• Must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license with no more than 2 violations in a three year period, subject to review.
• Drivers’ History completed annually.
• Knowledge of individuals with developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis.
• Knowledge of behavioral issues, including aggressive, non-verbal and self-injury behaviors.
• Ability to exercise mature judgment and relate to individuals in a warm, caring manner.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Individual Plans
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people at all levels within the organization.
• Self starter with the ability to multi-task.
• Results oriented, sound judgment, service oriented, assertive/persuasive.
• High energy level, comfortable performing multifaceted projects, plus day-to-day activities.
• Have good organizational skills, ability to set priorities, and be flexible based on changing priorities.
• Superior interpersonal abilities, teamwork mentality and social perceptiveness.
• Active listening skills with the ability to interact effectively with management.
• Ability to establish credibility, be decisive, recognize priorities.
• The direct support worker, works in both indoor and outdoor settings. Frequent lifting and/or carrying objects/individuals up to 65 plus pounds is required. Standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, balancing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, and traveling may be required 
• Must be able to successfully complete Physical Management Training (PMT) restraint training course. Must have the ability to safely perform physical restraints as needed for safety
• If required to drive, candidate must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid Connecticut Driver's License along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

Responsibilities

• Treat individuals with respect, dignity and compassion at all times
• Clean, maintain and participate in the upkeep of the home and properties to ensure client and staff safety
• Assist individuals with plan, purchase and prepare meals according to individual’s dietary needs
• Assist individuals with plan and participate in leisure time and recreational activities
• Assist individuals with new social opportunities/experiences
• Assist individuals to cope effectively with social, emotional and physical situations
• Assist clients with daily living activities (dressing, showering, etc) as needed
• Ensure all individual data is recorded accurately in individual’s record in Therap and all program documentation is competed on time
• Accumulate and record data relevant to behavioral programs, review individuals progress, developmental needs and barriers impeding progress
• Identify and prioritize individuals' needs
• Complete comprehensive documentation
• Report seizures, behavioral episodes, injury or illness, client concerns, and/or other medically or emotionally related problems to the house manager, supervisor, nurse and team members.
• Report suspected allegation of abuse/neglect to the Abuse Investigation Division in a timely manner immediately.
• Report any incidents or evidence of violation of residents’ rights to Administrator and/or appropriate parties immediately.
• Ensure regular, professional communication with all team members
• Attend and successfully complete all mandatory trainings/meetings required by DDS and the agency.
• Successful completion of DDS Medication Administration Certification. Yearly maintenance of Med Certification
• Maintain and safeguard individuals' private information. This includes but is not limited to diagnoses, health record, and program documentation.
• Additional duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance
• Life, AD&D and Long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) Plan, with employer matching contributions for eligible employees
• Training and development opportunities and for Licensed Clinicians ability to apply for the education Loan Forgiveness Program under The National Services Health Corp.
• Generous paid time off; including vacation and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free and confidential counseling

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees