Direct Support Specialist

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Dayton, OH 45402Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $16.48 HourlyTravel Percentage: Less than 10%Job Shift: SecondJob Category: Nonprofit - Social ServicesSummary The Care Support Specialist plays an essential role in supporting youth and young adults (YYAs) experiencing homelessness by fostering a safe, stable, and supportive environment. This position focuses on supporting the physical and emotional safety of clients by building positive relationships, promoting life skills development, and ensuring adherence to program guidelines. The Care Support Specialist aids in administering the clients’ individualized treatment plans, facilitates group sessions, monitors client progress, and provides emotional support to promote stability and well-being. This position ensures the safety of clients as the first point of contact, assisting with crisis intervention and triage. As part of the team, this position works collaboratively with clinical staff in providing holistic, trauma-informed care that enhances the overall well-being and long-term stability of YYAs. As a 24/7/365 operating facility, this position may include evening, overnight, and weekend hours. 2nd shift = 3:00pm - 11:00pm Duties & Responsibilities Client Support Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and trauma-informed residential environment that respects the autonomy and dignity of all YYAs. Support YYAs in navigating daily living activities, reinforcing positive habits in areas such as good hygiene, housekeeping, time management, and meal preparation. Assist in life skills development and positive connections by facilitating and encouraging engagement in enrichment activities, social skill-building, and problem solving. Provide daily face-to-face crisis intervention and stabilization services; conflict resolution, coping strategies, and emotional regulation according to agency intervention training and the needs of the client. Offer empathetic listening and guidance to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and behavioral challenges. Operations and Program Support Lead structured groups focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, life skills, etc. Coordinate with the team and participate in client engagement and resident activities (i.e., groups, chores). Assist clients with daily living activities while maintaining a therapeutic environment. Monitor and maintain communal spaces, ensuring they remain clean, organized, and conducive to a positive living experience. Assist in preparing units for move-ins and move-outs, ensuring units are safe, clean, and welcoming. Support YYAs in tracking their weekly schedules, reinforcing accountability for work, school and program participation. Conduct rounds and unit inspections, reinforcing program guidelines while ensuring a supportive and non-punitive environment. Collaboration and Team Coordination Work closely with case managers and other team members to ensure seamless coordination of services and alignment with each client’s individualized goals. Collaborate with clinical team members to ensure continuity of care and adherence to treatment goals. Participate in shift handovers, contributing insights and observations to support case planning and service improvement. Communicate with the security team and follow safety protocols to ensure a secure and stable residential environment for all YYAs. Safety & Security Functions Monitor facility entry points, common areas, and client spaces to maintain a secure and welcoming environment. Conduct regular walkthroughs and safety checks in accordance with agency policies. Monitor live security camera footage and respond to observed incidents or safety concerns in real time. Perform bag checks and personal item searches upon client and visitor entry, ensuring adherence to prohibited item policies. Provide immediate support during emotional or behavioral crises using approved de-escalation techniques and report incidents promptly. Documentation and Compliance When needed, assist in processing intakes and terminations for youth entering and exiting the program. Document shift events in daily log, prepare and maintain accurate records, complete UIR (Unusual Incident report) and other forms that may be required in CareLogic or for PQI as assigned and as required. Maintain accurate client records in compliance with agency procedures and funder requirements, ensuring all documentation is completed within 72 hours as per agency standards. Ensures proper communication between shifts, other staff and on-call personnel by phone or email when necessary. Qualifications Minimum of High School diploma or GED AND five (5) years’ working experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting required. OR Associate’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field AND two (2) years of experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting required. A minimum of two (2) years of experience working directly with youth and young adults is required, those experiencing homelessness or housing instability preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr