Personal Support Associate (Part-time)

The Arc Of Southern Maryland • Prince Frederick, MD

4h • Onsite

About The Position

The Arc of Southern Maryland is currently hiring part-time Personal Support Associates to assist individuals that need support to access the community, make friends, have fun and be as self-sufficient as possible. A PSA may provide support to people at home, in recreational settings or the community. This support may include personal hygiene, light housekeeping where the individual lives, grocery shopping, banking, medical appointments, medication administration (if necessary), transportation or social and recreational assistance. To enhance the ability of the individuals to lead a self-directed life by providing the support, guidance, and information necessary to build self-esteem, confidence, and assertiveness, and to make decisions.

Requirements

• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• A valid driving license (We cannot accept driver permit or provisional license)
• Can pass a criminal background check mandated by the State of Maryland
• A good driving record with no more than 2 points on the license
• A reliable vehicle to be used in transporting individuals we serve
• Enjoy assisting people and hands on support
• Demonstrated ability to read and write clearly and concisely.
• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Possesses a proficiency in computer-based software, e.g., excel, word and access.
• Must be dependable, responsible, consistent and punctual.
• Must be flexible and take direction.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a part of a team and independently.
• Must pass criminal background check mandated by the State of Maryland.
• Possesses a valid driving license with good driving record and access to a safe vehicle for transporting people receiving services.
• Ability and desire to create long-term, trusting and respectful relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Assists with and/or dispenses medication (as certified), or other prescribed medical treatments, as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assists individual(s) to meet his or her physical (e.g., health, grooming, toileting, eating) and personal management needs (e.g., human development, human sexuality), by teaching skills, providing supports, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
• Assists individual(s) with household management (e.g., meal prep, laundry, cleaning, decorating) and with transportation needs to maximize his or her skills, abilities and independence (or performs the same if the individual(s) cannot do so.
• Assists with and/or dispenses medication (as certified), or other prescribed medical treatments, as necessary.
• Supports individual(s) in the development of friendships and other relationships.
• Provides opportunities for involvement in community and leisure activities.
• Assists in the identification of needs for the individual(s) for community supports, working with the individual(s) informal support system and /or initiating community connections.
• Assists individual(s) to plan, make informed choices, follow through on responsibilities and speak on his/her/their on behalf.
• Uses effective, sensitive communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of individual(s) communication styles.
• Learns and uses terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure individual(s) understanding.
• Maintains collaborative professional relationships with individual(s) and all support team members (including family/friends), follows ethical standards of practice (e.g., confidentiality, informed consent, etc.), and recognizes his or her own personal limitations.
• Assists and/or facilitates the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from individual(s) preferences, needs and interests.
• Facilitates, assists, and/or represents individual(s) when there are barriers to his or her service needs.
• Interacts with and educates community members and organizations (e.g., employer, landlord, civic organization) when relevant to individual's needs or services.
• Identifies crisis situations, evaluates or defuses the situation, and contacts necessary supports.
• Continues to monitor crisis situations, discusses the incident with authorized staff and individual(s), adjusts supports and the environment, and complies with regulations for reporting.
• Implements behavior plan(s) as necessary and as indicated in the plan.
• Maintains accurate records and submits records to appropriate sources in a timely fashion.
• Maintains standards of confidentiality and ethical practice.
• Complies with all agency guidelines, procedures and practices.
• Incorporates sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability and gender issues into daily practices and interactions.
• Attends, completes and passes all required training, initially and ongoing.
• Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.
• Demonstrates appropriate role model behavior at all times.

Benefits

• The Arc Southern Maryland is a drug-free employer. All offers of employment will be contingent on a successful background check. The Arc Southern Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, religious and or political beliefs. We recruit, employ, retain, compensate, train, promote, discipline, terminate and treat all employees and job applicants based solely on qualification, performance, and competence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED