Relief - Worcester County

Venture Community Services Inc•Sturbridge, MA

2d•$18 - $19

About The Position

The Relief Staff member provides daily care, supervision, and safety for developmentally disabled individuals in residential and community settings. The role has a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, and may involve reassignment between programs without prior notice to cover emergencies. Relief Staff are compensated hourly and must work at least three shifts per month when shifts are available. This role offers experience across varied settings and may lead to part-time or full-time employment opportunities. The position includes supporting individuals’ health, safety, dignity, rights, choices, independence, therapeutic goals, and participation in meaningful activities and community life. Duties include personal care, transfers and mobility assistance, meal preparation, transportation and supervision, recordkeeping, household cleaning, and responding to behavioral or other emergencies. Staff are expected to maintain professional and confidential conduct and cooperate with individuals, families, coworkers, and community members.

Requirements

High school degree or GED.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Valid driver’s license.
Available by telephone for daily contact.
Able to work a minimum of three shifts per month when shifts are available.
Able to work up to twelve hours at a time.
Maintain First Aid, CPR, and Safety Care certifications.
Obtain and maintain certification in Applied Non-Violence, Safety Care, and PBS.

Nice To Haves

Daily use of a car on site is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Monitor individuals’ health and safety and safeguard their dignity, rights, and liberties.
Safely evacuate individuals in the event of a fire or disaster.
Communicate with the Residential Logistics Director at least once every two weeks about openings, covered-shift feedback, training, and other concerns.
Remain on duty after scheduled hours if not relieved by incoming staff.
Work at least three shifts each month when shifts are available.
Physically escort or restrain individuals during emergencies or behavioral episodes to maintain safety.
Assist individuals with bathing, personal hygiene, transfers, and carrying, including support for ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals.
Educate and train individuals on goals and objectives in their ISP and behavior plan.
Educate and assist individuals with meal preparation.
Educate, transport, accompany, and supervise individuals at their place of worship.
Maintain records and document daily data, progress toward DHSP objectives, and required therapy data sheets.
Complete incident reports, including behavioral incident reports, as necessary.
Show sensitivity to individuals’ cultural values, expectations, and goals, and interact professionally and cooperatively with individuals, staff, families, and community members.
Seek feedback from persons served and maintain confidentiality by discussing individual concerns only with appropriate people in private settings.
Use active listening and clear, direct communication.
Help individuals identify, develop, and participate in meaningful activities that build functional independence and support their strengths, interests, choices, and community participation.
Follow each person’s DHSP learning style and implementation strategy and incorporate therapeutic goals into daily activities.
Provide physical assistance as needed, including restroom assistance and lifting or moving individuals between wheelchairs, vehicles, and other locations.
Perform daily housekeeping, including laundry, dishes, mopping, sweeping, and snow shoveling.
Work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, program emergencies, and overnight emergency coverage.
Implement agency policies and procedures and handle related duties in compliance with the Agency Policy and Procedure Manual.
Coordinate and assist with planning leisure time.
Maintain required certifications and complete agency orientation requirements within 90 days of employment.
Avoid actions that jeopardize the care and safety of individuals.