Direct Care

Job Description

Job Description

1. Must be able to implement, document, and follow the Overall Plan of Service for the residents/individuals in a timely manner. Follow individual programs and document accordingly.
2. Actively assist to achieve goals and desired outcomes based on IP and behavior goals.
3. Monitor medical, physical, and behavioral changes in individuals on a daily basis. Document and report any and all changes to the Residential Manager and/or the Program Coordinator, Nurse, Behaviorist, as needed.
4. Support to develop, maintain or enhance independent functioning skills in the area of sensory-motor, cognition, personal grooming, hygiene, toileting, etc.
5. Ensure that written dietary plans are followed for each individual.
6. Ensure the cleanliness of the home/day program, inside and outside. Ensure the upkeep and maintenance of agency vehicle and request any maintenance needs as they occur.
7. Maintain HPE’s residents/individual ’s right to privacy including knocking before entering home, resident’s bedroom, bathroom, or any other private area and adhere to HPE’s Confidentiality Policy.
8. Conduct oneself in a professional manner when interacting with supervisors, co-workers, consultants, families, guardians and members of the community.
9. Ensure that residents/individuals follow a daily schedule, which includes; a variety of community-based outings, programs, leisure activities, and positioning guidelines as shown on posted activity schedule. The posted activity schedule must be followed unless prior permission was obtained from Management.
10. Monitor compliance to safety requirements. Conduct fire drills assigned by Management. Report any health or safety concern immediately to Management.
11. Ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and distributed appropriately, correctly, accurately, and in a timely manner, including Incident Reports.
12. Attend all in-services, mandatory annual training and house meetings or staff meetings as required. Failure to attend two required house/staff meetings in a twelve month period will result in immediate removal from the schedule and disciplinary process. 
13. Must have CPR, First Aid and PMT current while working directly with individuals. Also, must have or obtain Medication Administration Certification (if required). Must hold and maintain certifications throughout employment.
14. Must report to work in a working vehicle, have valid automobile insurance, registration and driver’s license and have gas to transport residents/individuals on outings, doctor appointments, as requested and as needed.
15. Assist residents/ individuals in daily living skills such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, and laundry. Staff must promote independence in all ADL skills.
16. Floor books must be completed each day, accurately, completely, and neatly. Document any changes noted during your shift.
17. Must be able to wait for relief staff prior to ending shift if residents/ individuals are 24 hour supervised. Staff to client ratio must be maintained at all times as outlined in each individual plan.
18. Day Program staff is required to provide services at another location when necessary unless otherwise notified. This would be required due to inclement weather, holidays or other circumstances.
19. Report on a daily basis in the staff log book all changes, issues, concerns. Read and initial every entry back to your last entry. 
20. Report any medical changes, doctor’s appointments, new prescriptions as required.
21. Maintain confidentiality at all times; follow HIPPA guidelines.
22. Must dress appropriately per dress code.
23. Ensure that the program remains in compliance with DDS regulations and be present at all inspections if requested. 
24. Must be able to perform all job functions and duties that are required of the Direct Care Staff employee. 
25. Must adhere to Helping People Excel, Inc.’s policies and procedures. 
26. All other duties as assigned.

In Addition for employees working at Residential Houses

1. Must be available at house each day for administration of medications during the time frame designated. Report all errors of medication dispensation or documentation according to policy.
2. Client funds and petty cash procedures must be followed as designated for each individual. Exceptions are not allowed unless prior permission was obtained from Management. 
3. Be responsible for the finances in the home, including the use of petty cash and individual client funds. Petty cash and client funds must be counted and verified prior to and at the end of each shift every day. Report any discrepancies to Management immediately.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Employee must possess a valid CT driver’s license, a vehicle in well maintained condition, valid registration and auto insurance.  Must have a good driving record.
2. Must have a working vehicle during a scheduled shift with fuel to transport clients as needed.
3. Employee must read, write and speak English. 
4. Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent. 
5. Must have CPR, First Aid Certification and PMT within thirty days of hire. Must obtain and maintain Medication Administration Certification (Residential Direct Care) within required timeframe. All certifications must remain current throughout employment with H.P.E.; active certifications are a requirement of employment. Employees will be notified of position specific certifications.

EDUCATION

1. Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Experience preferred in direct patient/client care. Including but not limited to nurse’s assistant, adult home companion, doctor’s office, etc.
3. Must have or be able to obtain CPR and First Aid within first 30 days of employment. Must have or be able to obtain Medication Administration Certification and PMT, where applicable. All certifications must remain current throughout employment with HPE.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands (The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job)

• Ability to stand, sit, walk, squat, bend, reach, stoop, pull, push, ascend and descend stairs and ramps, lift and carry up to 35 lbs. and other daily movements.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and communicate well.
• Ability to lift or transfer up to 75 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to operate a calculator, computer, copier/fax machine and telephone effectively.