Direct Care Counselor

Job Brief

Provides care for individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in Agency's residential program.

Shift Worked:


2:00 PM - 10:15PM

Weekly Hours:


30

FLSA Status:


Non Exempt

Pay range:


$18.46 - $18.83

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs ADL duties for individuals such as: bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, preparing meals, and lifting or transferring to/from various surfaces. Performs general housekeeping duties to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the residence. Administers medications and topicals according to doctors' orders and under the direction of a nurse. Implements individualized program plans and maintains records and charts as needed. Accompanies individuals in community inclusionary activities, medical appointments and all other applicable activities.

POSITION DUTIES:

1. Assists individuals with activities of daily living; including toileting and changing adult diapers, lifting/transferring, showering, grooming, oral hygiene, meal programs, and dressing.
2. Participates in in-house recreational activities and responsible for accompanying individuals to community-based activities.
3. Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team and assists in evaluating and implementing goals/outcomes. Actively implements individual programs by following prescribed methodology. Regularly communicates and relays pertinent information to clinicians, supervisors, co-workers and other appropriate agency personnel.
4. Maintains records, charts, and logs for each individual by entering required information (changes in behavior, goal progress/data collection, community inclusion, fire drills, vital signs, blood pressure readings, blood sugar readings, bowel regimens, etc.).
5. Maintains records for residence, including cash journals, ledgers, medication counts, and residence logs. Follows appropriate protocols for tracking funds, medications, personal possessions etc. and notifies supervisor of any discrepancies.
6. Prepares and serves meals for individuals by following individual's prescribed menus and accompanying cooking instructions.
7. Maintains cleanliness and safety of the residence and individuals' possessions by performing general housekeeping tasks (washing floors and surfaces, laundering individuals' clothes, dusting, making beds, cleaning cabinets, drawers, refrigerators, stoves, wheelchairs and adaptive equipment ).
8. Administers medications and/or treatments, and records same. Relays pertinent information regarding medical and behavioral concerns to appropriate personnel. Ensures that the Clinic Visit Summary (CVS) accompanies the individual to his/her medical appointments.
9. Ensures the well being and care of the individuals including appropriately using special equipment, responding to changes in conditions, participating and assisting in fire drills, etc.
10. Accompanies individuals to medical appointments, outside programming, recreation programs, inclusionary activities etc. as required.
11. Attends all required in-service training and staff meetings.
12. Performs variety of miscellaneous duties as assigned, such as shopping for household supplies, and going to Pharmacy and Laundromat etc.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. The ability to coordinate the movement of the arms, legs, and torso together in activities where the whole body is in motion, including the ability to exert one's self physically over long periods of time such as standing for two (2) plus hours at a time.
2. The ability to safely lift individuals to/from various surfaces.
3. The ability to safely perform a two (2) person transfer. Perform a stand pivot transfer with weight bearing individuals.
4. The ability to lift and reach common objects such as laundry and nonperishable food items.
5. The ability to push/pull, turn and maneuver equipment including occupied wheelchairs.
6. Possess strength, coordination and agility to safely and quickly respond to emergency situations.
7. The ability to bend, stretch, rotate, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs to ensure the safety of individuals in all situations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be able to understand and communicate in English.
2. Must have a high school diploma or GED. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
3. Must demonstrate satisfactory completion of Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State's orientation training.
4. Must demonstrate satisfactory completion of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) approved Medication Administration Course and Annual Medication Re-Certification.
5. If an individual in an assigned residence requires specialized treatments/medications /procedures (ex.: g-tube feeding, insulin administration) must demonstrate satisfactory completion of a specialized course pertinent to the individual's needs and obtain required certification and annual re-certification.
6. Must be able to float to different sites according to established agency policy, regardless of location.
7. Must be able to work overtime as needed.
8. Performs all job responsibilities in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Adheres to the agency's corporate compliance program, including the code of business conduct, the NYS and federal false claims acts, whistleblower protections and mandatory reporting. Completes corporate compliance training at least annually. Fully cooperates in all corporate compliance investigations and reviews.

MACHINES/EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

1. Washing Machine/Dryer
2. Household Appliances
3. Mechanical Lifter
4. Various pieces of adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, bathroom equipment, splints, etc.)
5. Office Equipment (includes Fax, Copier and Personal Computer)