Direct Support Specialist - Full-Time

Why join UCS? Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County.As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners—a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies—we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

Under the direction of the Therapeutic Activities Program Coordinator, the Direct Support Professional - Community is responsible for performing a variety of tasks for a child who has mental health needs to mitigate the buildup of stressors that put children at risk of more serious difficulties and/or removal from the home. Those tasks are related to the instruction, supervision, and monitoring of individuals’ skills for developing independence and inclusion into the community and improved social skills.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

DIRECT SERVICE:

Provides recreational activities and services to children in a respectful, friendly, and professional manner that supports client choice. Responsibilities include facilitating individual’s inclusion into the community through development and participation of meaningful community-based activities. Provides transportation for children and/or adolescents to and from community-based activities. Provides crisis intervention as directed by the program coordinator or manager. Acts as a role model for the clients and the community, understanding that all interactions are opportunities for teaching. Follows all treatment plans and supporting documents (i.e. behavior, safety, or communication plans). Attends all trainings and other meetings, as assigned. Required to work as a team or within a team of other community support workers to provide programming for clients at the Burgess Road After School Program.

RECORD KEEPING:

Initiates and maintains compliance of timely and thorough record keeping and administrative/clinical documentation required to account for services to clients and program requirements. Such work includes, but is not limited to, client-specific assessments, case services, and progress notes, time sheets, schedules, and assigned periodic reports.

NETWORKING:

Provides pertinent information to other staff, professionals, and family in a professional and confidential manner. Serves as advocate and/or liaison on behalf of individual served, and UCS. Participates as a problem-solver in “team” and other meetings.

CONSULTATION

Acts as a member of the child's treatment team. Provides consultation/updates to case manager, parents, etc., as needed about child's needs/behavior. May attend treatment team meetings, as needed.

* In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.

  EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent. 
• Relevant experience in human services field preferred. 
• Experience working with children and youth required.

LICENSE REQUIRED:

• Valid Driver’s License

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

Compensation details: 21.19-21.19 Hourly Wage

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