RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST-SAFE RESPONSE

Responsible for performing a variety of para-professional tasks related to the care of individuals served by Safe Response. Essential job duties and responsibilities are in accordance with Safe Response’s Strategic Plan and requirements by licensure. 

Responsibilities:

Quality Services/High Quality Staff

• Effectively responds to and manages crisis situations, which may include client physical aggression, utilizing prescribed verbal intervention techniques.
• Consistently implements behavior management plans to reduce client’s maladaptive behaviors, promote appropriate social behaviors and maximize human potential of each client served.
• Ensures that all activities, services and programs through Safe Response are conducted in a manner that is sensitive to and shows respect for the cultural and ethnic diversity for all Safe Response clients.
• Promotes and assists with the development of appropriate daily living, self-help and social skills.
• Remains awake and engaged at all times – competently supervising and monitoring the clients. Assists in maintaining a safe and healthy environment, including performing a variety of tasks related to housekeeping. 
• Conducts and supervises recreational and life enrichment activities.
• Operates Safe Response vehicles and/or personal vehicles to transport residents or perform other work related duties.
• Understands client’s rights and protects them by promptly reporting any violations.
• Follows physician’s orders to properly administer medication to clients.
• Completes all required documentation on a daily basis, in a professional manner – must be objective, accurate and thorough - to provide consistent client treatment.
• Understands and follows the rules governing client service documentation, including but not limited to medication logs, incident reports, progress notes and all other documentation assigned.
• Will adhere to all policies and procedures as defined in the Employee Handbook and Safe Response Operational Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Takes pride and ownership in Safe Response’s facilities and assigned work areas.
• Attends mandatory staff meeting and other meetings as assigned.
• Completes and updates mandatory training and other licensure related items in a timely manner.
• Maintains documentation that is accurate and legible.
• Completes incident reports, including reporting any suspected exploitation, abuse, or neglect of a client.
• Ensures that the agency meets its quality improvement, evaluation and reporting requirements.
• Actively participates in and/or oversees data collection and the use of data to improve outcomes, practices and service delivery.
• Utilizes data collection in relation to driving and tracking outcomes and achieving agency initiatives and goals.
• Prepare meal(s) and/or snack(s) for Safe Response clients and staff as dictated by the menu posted.
• Provide safe transportation for Safe Response clients in vehicle provided by the company.
• Performs others duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Adheres to parameters of the Agency’s budget, including appropriately utilizing Agency credit cards (Gas Cards, Wal-Mart, etc.), accurately reporting time and obtaining proper approval for overtime.
• Seeks the best use of materials, equipment and staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Acts as a good steward of Safe Response and/or client finances.
• Works with clients, professional and other Para-professional staff, client’s families and the community in a courteous and respectful manner to provide proper habilitation.
• Respects the culture, diversity and rights of all clients, their families and the community. Shows initiative by identifying solutions to work towards improving stakeholder satisfaction

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to follow and execute specific oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to promote and maintain positive interaction with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of simple health and safety precautions.
• Demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual and linguistic diversity and values including differences in personal goals, lifestyle choices and varying family backgrounds and histories.
• Ability to write daily progress and behavior reports using a professional and objective style.
• Ability to physically manage and restrain clients when necessary, including ability to assist in lifting, maneuvering, and physically supporting individuals up to 200 pounds; ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, for long periods of time. May also be required to stoop, bend, squat, push, pull, run, kneel and have full dexterity and agility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 21 depending on program and / or department requirements
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and driving record that meets eligibility requirements of Safe Response’s insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving)
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen, physical and TB test
• Must meet and maintain background screening requirements of program(s) assigned to Safe Response
• No felony convictions or other criminal offenses involving a dependent population