Respite Support Associate. Float Pool

The Arc Of Southern Maryland•Prince Frederick, MD

24d•$21 - $25

About The Position

To provide professionally guided 24/7 support to individuals served by BSS in respite in situations where significant behavioral risks are observed that are beyond the capacity of the immediate support network to address in a safe manner. The BSS respite float pool worker will work under the guidance of the team lead or assistant director during respite shift. To assist individual(s) that needs support in order to access the community, to make friends, to have fun and to be as self-sufficient as possible. A respite float pool may provide support to people at home, in recreational settings or in the community. This support may include personal hygiene, light housekeeping where the individual(s) live(s), grocery shopping, banking, medical appointments, medication administration (if necessary), transportation or social and recreational assistance. To enhance the ability of the individual(s) 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

Demonstrated ability to read and write clearly and concisely
Possession of a high school diploma or GED
Must have at least two years of experience directly implementing formal behavior plans with individuals who present challenging behaviors and behavioral crisis.
2 years’ experience with individuals who have mental illness or a four-year psychology, socially or mental health degree.
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.

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.
Write daily notes in the log during shifts, complete data tracking, sleep charts and other mandated documentation.
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.
After being BPS trained, apply non-aversive behavior management techniques to include physical restraints and/or carries.
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.