Therapeutic Support Professional

Woods Services•Middletown Township, PA

About The Position

The Therapeutic Support Professional is responsible for the treatment, care, and supervision of intellectually disabled adults who exhibit challenging behaviors and/or complex medical issues. The role supports clinical services through active engagement and the use of positive reinforcement, life-skills development, and communication-skills development to decrease maladaptive behaviors and increase positive replacement behaviors. The professional implements, monitors, and reports on therapeutic strategies and programming, and helps ensure a safe, therapeutic atmosphere in the residence and community. The position includes implementing treatment plans, documenting incidents and daily staff engagement notes in the Carelogic EHR, completing required data sheets, and maintaining professional working relationships with supervisors, support staff, peers, and other Woods employees while following Woods, federal, and state policies and procedures. The role also supports residents’ independence, community participation, safety, and well-being, and assists clinicians with client programs and instruction. Education and experience qualifications vary by level: Level 1 requires a high school diploma or GED and 3–5 years of relevant experience; Level 2 requires an associate degree and at least one year of relevant experience; Level 3 requires a bachelor’s degree in any field and at least one year of relevant experience; and Level 4 requires a bachelor’s degree in a human services field and at least one year of relevant experience. The starting salary is $18.50 per hour, depending on education and experience.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old and able to verbally communicate emergency information in English over the phone.
Must have a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history.
Must maintain current CPR certification.
Must successfully complete an Office of Developmental Programs-approved medication administration course within the first 30 days of employment and maintain renewal requirements.
Must successfully complete the in-house training program on complex behavior intervention strategies and demonstrate the ability to apply learned skills in clients’ daily lives.
Must be able to competently navigate the client EHR to document incidents, contacts, engagement notes, and other pertinent information.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
Therapeutic Support Professional 1: High school diploma or GED and 3–5 years of residential and/or behavioral health care experience working with behaviorally challenged individuals, including behavioral and therapeutic interventions and de-escalation.
Therapeutic Support Professional 2: Associate degree and at least one year of residential and/or behavioral health care experience working with behaviorally challenged individuals, including behavioral and therapeutic interventions and de-escalation.
Therapeutic Support Professional 3: Bachelor’s degree in any field and at least one year of residential and/or behavioral health care experience working with behaviorally challenged individuals, including behavioral and therapeutic interventions and de-escalation.
Therapeutic Support Professional 4: Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, issued in the United States or verified by an authorized accreditation agency, and at least one year of residential and/or behavioral health care experience working with behaviorally challenged individuals, including behavioral and therapeutic interventions and de-escalation.

Responsibilities

Implement, coordinate, and support behaviorally based interventions in the therapeutic milieu.
Supervise residents according to their needs, individualized service plans, treatment goals, and program policies, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Provide assistance, instruction, and guidance toward greater independence in daily living, personal care, communication, and social interactions.
Provide and support community engagement, recreational, spiritual, cultural, vocational, volunteer, educational, life-skills, health, wellness, and safety activities.
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team activities and contribute information about residents’ progress, needs, goals, strategies, functioning, and interactions; document information as required.
Complete mandatory training and maintain required licenses and certifications, including CPR, First Aid, driver training, driver’s license, fire safety, and medication administration credentials.
Recognize and promptly report incidents requiring HCSIS submission to on-call personnel.
Assist in developing individual treatment goals and strategies and implement planned treatment procedures under behavior therapist supervision.
Implement crisis stabilization procedures as directed and prepare incident reports as required.
Perform residential housekeeping tasks, including cooking, cleaning, laundry, making beds, and maintaining an orderly home.
Assist with shopping for residents and submit receipts to the supervisor within established timelines.
Participate in individual and group recreational or social activities based on residents’ needs.
Transport residents to and from day programs, school, appointments, and community activities, maintaining appropriate supervision.
Administer emergency first aid, including CPR, and follow fire-safety procedures.
Exchange relevant written and oral information with staff on successive shifts regarding residents, milieu status, and programming.
Maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
Collect data on observable behaviors, skills acquisition, and incidents to measure progress and support reports.
Help de-escalate disruptive behaviors and maintain a safe environment using individualized or programmatic behavior plans.
Attend assigned meetings and individual supervision.
Assist clinicians with management and delivery of client programs and instruction, including selecting instructional and educational materials.
Write assigned reports and notes and enter or access information in Carelogic.
Participate in program assessments to support consistency and integrity of the program.
Implement evidence-based practices and adhere to written programs.
Assist with client evacuations during fire drills, emergencies, and unusual incidents.
Interact respectfully with clients and family members, recognizing individual cognitive, developmental, social, familial, religious, cultural, and ethnic differences.
Communicate positively and effectively with family members and agency personnel.
Build relationships with local law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, and neighboring communities to support positive community interactions and resident integration.
Maintain confidentiality of clients and their families or guardians.
Perform other duties as assigned.